Canadian admits voting in U.S.

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MIAMI, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- An Austrian native and naturalized Canadian has been sentenced to five months in prison for voting illegally in at least two U.S. presidential elections.

Josef Sever, 53, who moved to Florida in 1992, is likely to be deported when he is released, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. He said as much at a sentencing hearing Friday in Miami.

"I am deeply sorry," he told U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro. "This will certainly never happen again in any society that accepts me."

Sever's lawyer said he had a mistaken sense of his duty to his adopted country. But a prosecutor said his vote "nullified" one cast by a legitimate citizen.

Sever acknowledged voting, by absentee ballot, in the 2004 and 2008 elections. He registered as an independent.

He has also admitted illegally stating he was a citizen to buy guns and to get a permit.