Noncitizens illegally voting – how big of a problem is it?

As veterans who’ve dedicated our lives to protecting American democracy, it’s crucial to understand the facts surrounding noncitizen voting in U.S. elections.

Have undocumented immigrants illegally voted on past elections? Investigations show the answer to that is yes.  But the question is, how much does it actually happen? Misinformation on this topic is widespread, but a closer look at the data reveals a different story than many fear.

First, it’s important to note that federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and no state permits noncitizens to vote in statewide elections. Voter registration in every state requires an attestation of U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury, which carries severe legal consequences. Additionally, election offices verify citizenship information through government databases, ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections.

The penalties for noncitizens attempting to vote illegally are steep. These individuals face potential fines, imprisonment, and even deportation for violating election laws.

Despite ongoing concerns about noncitizen voting, data shows that these cases are extremely rare. According to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, there have been only 68 confirmed cases of noncitizen voting since the 1980s. This figure underscores the rarity of such occurrences, even as claims of widespread illegal voting continue to surface.

Furthermore, independent research by The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, and The Brennan Center for Justice aligns with these findings. The studies conclude that noncitizen voting is not a significant issue and has never impacted the outcome of an election.

Veterans, who have fought to protect the democratic process, must be equipped with accurate information to combat disinformation. While election security is a priority, understanding the true scope of noncitizen voting helps ensure that people’s concerns are grounded in fact.