Miles Parks, NPR's voting correspondent, and Jude Joffe-Block, an NPR reporter known for tackling misinformation, dive into the myth of noncitizen voting. They discuss how this baseless claim has gained traction, particularly among Republicans, despite a lack of supporting evidence. The conversation also highlights the impact of such narratives on public perception, influencing voter behavior and tensions at polling places. Additionally, they explore the consequences of targeting voter rolls on the voting rights of U.S. citizens.
The narrative surrounding non-citizen voting, primarily fueled by political figures, has significantly influenced public opinion and heightened voter concern, especially among Republicans.
Despite the absence of evidence for non-citizen voting, the myth has led to increased scrutiny of voter eligibility and potential disenfranchisement of marginalized groups.
Deep dives
The False Narrative of Non-Citizen Voting
The claim that non-citizens are voting in elections has gained traction, with its roots dating back to the 1800s and often resurfacing alongside periods of increased immigration. This year, the narrative has particularly surged due to high-profile endorsements by political figures, including Donald Trump, and its amplified presence in conservative media. Experts have noted this myth’s mainstreaming effects, as voiced in the experiences of election officials who are witnessing increased inquiries about non-citizen voting during training sessions. Despite the lack of evidence supporting this narrative and the rarity of non-citizen voting, it has effectively shaped public discourse and concern leading up to the upcoming elections.
Impact on Voter Perception and Behavior
The pervasive rhetoric concerning non-citizen voting has notably influenced public opinion, with a NPR-PBS News Marist poll revealing that over half of voters express concern about this issue. Concerns are particularly pronounced among Republican voters, with 81 percent indicating anxiety about non-citizens potentially influencing election outcomes. This fear extends to how it affects marginalized groups, such as voters of color and naturalized citizens, who may feel intimidated or face confrontations at polling places. The implications are significant, as conservative initiatives targeting voter rolls could disenfranchise eligible voters while feeding into the ongoing narrative that threatens the integrity of the electoral process.
Former President Donald Trump and his allies have been ramping up a baseless claim that Democrats are encouraging newly-arrived migrants to vote for them in this year's federal elections. There is no evidence to support this claim of noncitizens voting and yet the narrative has taken hold among Republican voters.