Coldwater, Kansas – Residents of this small town are rallying behind their mayor, José Rico, after he was charged with illegally voting as a noncitizen. The felony charges, filed last week, have ignited a debate over election integrity and sparked accusations of political overreach from within the community.
Rico, who was born in Mexico and became a naturalized U.S. Citizen in 2016, is accused of voting in the 2020 presidential election and subsequent local elections while not fully meeting the requirements for voter eligibility. According to charging documents, state officials allege Rico mistakenly believed he was eligible to vote after receiving a voter registration card. The Kansas Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case.
The charges stem from a broader investigation initiated by the Kansas Secretary of State’s office into potential voter fraud. In 2023, the Department of Homeland Security flagged instances of non-citizens potentially voting in Kansas elections, prompting further scrutiny. DHS records revealed multiple instances of individuals with non-citizen status casting ballots.
Despite the charges, many Coldwater residents are standing firmly by their mayor. “He’s always been a good man, always willing to help,” said local business owner Martha Peterson. “This feels like a politically motivated attack. They’re trying to build an example out of him.” A petition circulating in town calling for the charges to be dropped has already garnered hundreds of signatures.
Rico’s case is particularly sensitive given the heightened focus on election security in recent years. The charges were brought under a state law that carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. The Attorney General’s office has emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process, stating that even unintentional violations of voting laws must be prosecuted. The New York Times reported that supporters believe the prosecution is disproportionate to the alleged offense.
The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and contentious. Rico has maintained his innocence and has vowed to fight the charges. His attorneys argue that the state’s case is based on a misunderstanding and that Rico acted in good faith. The case similarly raises questions about the clarity of voter registration procedures and the responsibility of election officials to verify voter eligibility.
The small town of Coldwater, population approximately 700, now finds itself at the center of a larger national debate. The outcome of Rico’s case could have significant implications for election law and voter rights in Kansas and beyond. As of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Kansas Attorney General’s office has not responded to requests for further comment, and a preliminary hearing date has not yet been set.
