Are Illegal Aliens Voting in Elections?

Introduction

The claim that illegal aliens are voting in U.S. elections has gained traction in political discourse, particularly among certain lawmakers and advocacy groups. This assertion raises significant questions about electoral integrity, citizenship requirements, and the legal implications of non-citizen voting. This article examines the available evidence surrounding this claim, focusing on the legal framework, empirical data, and differing perspectives on the issue.

What We Know

1. Legal Framework: The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 explicitly prohibits non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, from voting in federal elections. Violations can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment and deportation 1. Additionally, federal law (18 U.S.C. § 611) reinforces that it is unlawful for any alien to vote in elections 6.

2. State Regulations: Most states have laws that explicitly prohibit non-citizens from voting in state and federal elections. However, some local jurisdictions, such as certain municipalities in California, Maryland, and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia, have allowed non-citizen voting in specific local elections 9.

3. Empirical Evidence: A survey conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice found that instances of non-citizen voting are exceedingly rare. In a study of local election officials across 42 jurisdictions with high immigrant populations, only 30 instances of suspected non-citizen voting were reported 2. This suggests that while the potential for illegal voting exists, it is not widespread.

4. Political Context: The claim of illegal aliens voting is often used to support legislative measures aimed at tightening voting regulations, such as the SAVE Act, which seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens can vote 5. Critics argue that such claims may be politically motivated and not supported by substantial evidence 9.

Analysis

The reliability of sources discussing illegal voting by non-citizens varies significantly.

• Credible Sources: The BBC and NPR are generally considered reliable news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. Their articles provide well-researched information and cite credible studies, such as the Brennan Center's survey, which offers empirical evidence regarding non-citizen voting 12.

• Political Bias: Some sources, such as those from congressional representatives (e.g., the Pfluger Bill and Congressman Bean's statements), may exhibit bias as they are advocating for specific legislative agendas. These sources may emphasize the risks of non-citizen voting without presenting counter-evidence or acknowledging the rarity of such occurrences 35.

• Methodological Concerns: While the Brennan Center's survey provides valuable insights, it is limited to specific jurisdictions and may not represent nationwide trends. More comprehensive studies that include a broader range of states and localities would strengthen the understanding of this issue.

• Conflicting Perspectives: Supporters of stricter voting laws argue that any potential for illegal voting undermines electoral integrity. Conversely, critics assert that the focus on non-citizen voting distracts from more pressing issues of voter suppression and disenfranchisement among eligible voters 910.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that illegal aliens are voting in U.S. elections is unsupported by substantial evidence. Key findings indicate that non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare, with only 30 reported instances of suspected illegal voting across numerous jurisdictions with high immigrant populations 2. Furthermore, legal frameworks at both federal and state levels explicitly prohibit non-citizens from voting, reinforcing the notion that such occurrences are not widespread.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The studies conducted, such as the one by the Brennan Center, focus on specific jurisdictions and may not capture the full scope of the issue nationwide. Additionally, the political context surrounding this claim suggests that it may be used to further specific legislative agendas rather than reflect an objective assessment of electoral integrity.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding voting and electoral processes, considering the nuances and complexities involved in such discussions. It is essential to approach claims about illegal voting with skepticism and rely on credible, evidence-based sources for accurate information.

Sources

1. Can illegal immigrants really vote in the US election? (BBC) - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yj98grr5lo
2. 6 facts about false noncitizen voting claims and the election (NPR) - https://www.npr.org/2024/10/12/nx-s1-5147789/voting-election-2024-noncitizen-fact-check-trump
3. Pfluger Bill to Block Noncitizens from Voting in D.C. Passes (August Pfluger) - https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1042
4. Noncitizen Voting (Congress.gov) - https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/117612/witnesses/HHRG-118-JU10-Wstate-JenksR-20240910.pdf
5. Congressman Bean Votes to Prevent Illegal Aliens from Deciding Our Elections (Congressman Bean) - https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-votes-prevent-illegal-aliens-deciding-our-elections
6. 18 USC 611: Voting by aliens (U.S. Code) - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:611%20edition:prelim)
7. Who can and cannot vote (USAGov) - https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote
8. America’s immigrant voters and the 2024 presidential election (Brookings) - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/americas-immigrant-voters-and-the-2024-presidential-election/
9. Data indicates voting by noncitizens is rare. Republicans are pressing measures to make sure of it (AP News) - https://apnews.com/article/noncitizens-voting-republicans-election-2024-immigration-09b86e6768f755fd875f3c51b0e8ea70
10. Fact-checking Elon Musk's claim about Democrats importing voters (BBC) - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd5l0d3794o