Fact Check: dead people voted for joe biden

Dead People Voted for Joe Biden: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "dead people voted for Joe Biden" has circulated widely, particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who allege that significant voter fraud occurred during the 2020 presidential election. This assertion raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and has been the subject of various investigations and fact-checks. This article examines the available evidence surrounding this claim without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. General Claims of Fraud: Various claims have been made regarding the voting of deceased individuals in the 2020 election. For instance, a report suggested that nearly 5,000 dead people voted in Pennsylvania, but this assertion lacked credible evidence to support it 2.

2. Investigations and Findings: The Arizona Attorney General's office conducted a review and found only one instance of a dead voter among claims of 282 3. This indicates that while there may be isolated incidents, widespread fraud involving dead voters has not been substantiated.

3. Fact-Checking Reports: Multiple fact-checking organizations have investigated these claims. PolitiFact reported that the assertion that half of Biden's votes came from deceased individuals is unfounded 4. Similarly, FactCheck.org noted that allegations of substantial numbers of votes cast by deceased individuals were made without evidence 5.

4. Voter Fraud Studies: A comprehensive examination of voter fraud in the U.S. found little evidence to support claims of widespread fraud, including voting by deceased individuals 6.

5. Specific Incidents: A CNN report highlighted a specific case in Michigan where out of 50 names identified as potentially voting while deceased, only five were confirmed to have voted, and all were still alive 7.

6. Broader Context: Voting in the name of deceased individuals is a recognized form of voter fraud, but it is extremely rare. Ballotpedia notes that while it can occur, it does not happen on a scale that would affect election outcomes 8.

7. Counterclaims by Trump’s Own Research: A report commissioned by Trump's campaign ultimately debunked the claims that significant numbers of ballots were cast by deceased voters, indicating a lack of evidence for these assertions 10.

Analysis

The sources cited provide a mix of investigative journalism, official statements, and fact-checking reports. The reliability of these sources varies:

• Credible News Outlets: Publications like the Associated Press and Washington Post are generally regarded as reliable, employing rigorous fact-checking standards. Their reports have consistently found little to no evidence supporting the claim of widespread voting by deceased individuals 12.

• Fact-Checking Organizations: PolitiFact and FactCheck.org are reputable organizations that specialize in verifying claims and have a track record of impartiality. Their findings support the conclusion that claims of dead people voting are largely unfounded 45.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, particularly those aligned with partisan interests, may have inherent biases. For example, claims made by Trump supporters may reflect a desire to discredit the election results rather than an objective assessment of the facts.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used in some investigations have been questioned. For example, claims based on anecdotal evidence or unverified reports can lead to misleading conclusions about the prevalence of voter fraud.

• Need for More Information: While many claims have been debunked, additional transparency regarding the processes used to verify voter identities and the handling of ballots could further clarify the integrity of the electoral system.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that dead people voted for Joe Biden is unsupported by credible evidence. Investigations, including those by the Arizona Attorney General's office and various fact-checking organizations, have consistently found that while isolated incidents of deceased individuals being associated with votes may exist, there is no substantial evidence to suggest widespread voter fraud involving dead voters. Reports indicate that claims of significant numbers of ballots cast by deceased individuals are largely unfounded and often lack rigorous verification.

It is important to note that while voter fraud can occur, it is extremely rare and does not happen on a scale that would affect election outcomes. The evidence reviewed suggests that the integrity of the electoral process in the 2020 election remains intact, despite the claims made.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The investigations conducted may not capture every instance of potential fraud, and the methodologies employed can vary in rigor. As such, while the current evidence strongly supports the conclusion that the claim is false, ongoing scrutiny and transparency in electoral processes are vital.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and claims regarding electoral integrity and to consider the sources and evidence behind such assertions.

Sources

1. NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what did not happen last week. Associated Press. Link
2. Trump-commissioned report undercut his claims of dead voters. Washington Post. Link
3. Arizona official refutes review that counted 282 dead voters. Associated Press. Link
4. PolitiFact | No, dead people didn't cast half of Joe Biden's 2020 votes. PolitiFact. Link
5. Thin Allegations of 'Dead People' Voting. FactCheck.org. Link
6. Exhaustive fact check finds little evidence of voter fraud, but 2020's big lie lives on. PBS NewsHour. Link
7. Claims that dead people voted went viral. These are the facts. CNN. Link
8. Votes cast in the names of deceased people. Ballotpedia. Link
9. False: 15,000 dead people voted for Joe Biden, and the election was rigged. Logically. Link
10. Trump's own research showed that voter fraud did not cost him the election. The Guardian. Link