In November 2025, a small town in Kansas drew statewide attention after its mayor was charged with election-related crimes shortly after winning re-election. The case involves Jose Ceballos, mayor of Coldwater, and was announced by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
According to officials, the charges followed a review of voter registration and election records. Investigators determined there were concerns about Ceballos’s eligibility under Kansas election law.
Prosecutors allege that Ceballos voted in multiple elections despite not being a U.S. citizen, a legal requirement for both voting and holding certain public offices in the state. He now faces several felony charges, including voting without qualification and election perjury.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation began before the election and was not triggered by the outcome. The charges were filed shortly after his re-election, but officials said the timing was coincidental.
State leaders stressed that the case reflects enforcement of existing laws rather than changes to election policy. They noted that election integrity laws apply equally to all individuals, regardless of office or position.
Local officials in Coldwater acknowledged the situation and said city operations would continue as usual while the legal process moves forward. Any decisions about leadership will depend on the court’s findings.
The case has prompted broader discussion across Kansas about voter verification systems and how eligibility is monitored over time. Officials noted that older records can still be reviewed when concerns arise.
As proceedings continue, Ceballos is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. State authorities said the outcome may influence future enforcement practices but emphasized that each case is judged on its own evidence and legal merits.
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