Fact Check: "Every U.S. voter must swear they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury."
What We Know
In the United States, when individuals register to vote, they are required to affirm that they are U.S. citizens. This affirmation is made under penalty of perjury, meaning that if they provide false information, they could face legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment. According to federal law, the registration forms must include a statement that applicants are swearing to their citizenship status, which is made clear in the warning: “If I have provided false information, I may be fined, imprisoned, or (if not a U.S. citizen) deported from or refused entry to the United States” (NPR).
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) does not explicitly require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, but it does require that applicants affirm their citizenship status. This has been upheld in various legal contexts, including recent court rulings that blocked attempts to impose additional documentary requirements (ACLU, Brennan Center).
Analysis
The claim that every U.S. voter must swear they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury is accurate. The legal framework surrounding voter registration mandates that applicants affirm their citizenship status, which is a critical component of the registration process. This requirement is designed to ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections.
However, the implementation and enforcement of this requirement can vary by state. Some states have attempted to impose stricter regulations, such as requiring documentary proof of citizenship, but these efforts have faced significant legal challenges. For instance, a federal court recently ruled against a mandate that would have required voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, reinforcing the existing requirement that individuals only need to affirm their citizenship status (ACLU, Brennan Center).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is strong. NPR is a well-respected news organization known for its in-depth reporting, while the ACLU and Brennan Center for Justice are reputable organizations focused on civil rights and voting rights, respectively. Their reports are based on legal precedents and current legislative actions, providing a solid foundation for understanding the implications of the citizenship affirmation requirement.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that every U.S. voter must swear they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury is indeed true. This requirement is embedded in federal law and is a fundamental part of the voter registration process, ensuring that individuals affirm their eligibility to vote.
