The Truth About Noncitizen Voting in America
Despite persistent claims about widespread noncitizen voting in U.S. elections, extensive research and multiple investigations have consistently shown that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. This article examines the evidence and explains why claims of massive noncitizen voting don't hold up to scrutiny.
Studies and investigations have repeatedly demonstrated that noncitizen voting occurs at minimal rates. A comprehensive 2017 study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that incident rates of noncitizen voting are between 0.0003% and 0.001%. For context, that's about 8-25 votes out of every 10 million ballots cast.
Why Noncitizen Voting Is Unlikely
- Strict voter registration requirements include proof of citizenship in all states
- Severe penalties for noncitizens who attempt to vote, including possible deportation
- Multiple verification systems cross-check voter rolls with immigration databases
- Regular audits and post-election reviews consistently find minimal cases
When rare cases of noncitizen voting do occur, they're typically the result of confusion rather than intentional fraud. For example, some legal permanent residents mistakenly believe they're eligible to vote, or people with unclear immigration status misunderstand registration requirements.
Election officials across the country employ robust systems to prevent noncitizen voting. These include requiring proof of citizenship during registration, cross-referencing multiple government databases, and implementing regular voter roll maintenance procedures. These safeguards have proven highly effective at preventing ineligible voters from participating in elections.
While election integrity is crucial for democracy, claims of widespread noncitizen voting are not supported by evidence. Understanding these facts helps maintain trust in our electoral system while acknowledging the effectiveness of existing safeguards.
