Fact Check: "1 in 10 eligible voters struggle to prove citizenship"
What We Know
A recent survey indicates that approximately 1 in 10 eligible voters in the United States, which translates to about 21.3 million adult citizens, report difficulties in proving their citizenship. This includes not having or being unable to quickly access essential documents such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship (NPR). The survey highlights significant disparities based on race, ethnicity, and political affiliation, with citizens of color facing more challenges compared to their white counterparts (NPR).
The survey was conducted by VoteRiders in collaboration with the Brennan Center for Justice and the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, emphasizing the logistical and financial barriers many face when trying to obtain these documents (NPR, VoteRiders).
Analysis
The claim that "1 in 10 eligible voters struggle to prove citizenship" is supported by credible data from a national survey conducted in late 2023. The survey's findings are corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including NPR and the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement (NPR, VoteRiders).
The survey's methodology appears robust, as it is one of the first significant studies in nearly two decades to track the availability of government-issued identification among adults. The results align with concerns raised by voting rights advocates about the implications of requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, particularly the risk of disenfranchising eligible voters (NPR, Washington Post).
Critics of stricter voter ID laws argue that these measures could disproportionately impact historically underrepresented groups, including people of color and political independents, who are more likely to report lacking the necessary documentation (NPR). This perspective is supported by experts in political science, who emphasize that the barriers to obtaining citizenship documents can make voting inaccessible for many eligible citizens (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that 1 in 10 eligible voters struggle to prove citizenship is True. The evidence from the national survey clearly indicates that a significant portion of eligible voters face challenges in accessing the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship, which could have serious implications for their ability to participate in elections.
Sources
- Who Are Most Affected by Voter ID and Documentary Proof of Citizenship Laws
- Citizenship proof isn't easy for 1 in 10 eligible U.S. voters : NPR
- Laws aimed at exceedingly rare noncitizen voting could hit eligible ...
- Trump DHS links data for new citizenship tracking tool : NPR
- 1 in 10 eligible U.S. voters say they can't easily show ... - VoteRiders
