Asma Khalid, a White House correspondent, Miles Parks, a voting correspondent, and Jude Joffe-Block, a contributor on voting issues, dive into the persistent myth that noncitizens are influencing U.S. elections. They debunk these unfounded claims, revealing how historical narratives and political rhetoric fuel misconceptions. The discussion highlights the impact of these false allegations on voter trust and participation, particularly among marginalized communities, while addressing the consequences of proposed voter ID laws.
The persistent false claims of noncitizen voting are based on misunderstandings and have been debunked by extensive research demonstrating their rarity.
These unfounded narratives are fueled by political tensions and fears surrounding immigration, significantly impacting public perceptions and voter confidence.
Deep dives
The Myths of Non-Citizen Voting
Claims that non-citizens are voting in large numbers during elections are unfounded and have repeatedly been debunked by multiple studies. Research by the Brennan Center for Justice and other organizations found that suspected non-citizen votes account for very few instances, citing an example where only about 30 votes were identified out of 23.5 million votes analyzed post-2016 elections. Additionally, elections in states like Georgia have shown that there is no evidence of non-citizen voting. Local jurisdictions may allow non-citizens to vote in specific local elections, but they are prohibited from participating in federal elections.
Voter Registration and Citizenship Verification
The process of voter registration includes checks to ensure that voters are indeed U.S. citizens, with significant safeguards in place. Voters must provide a driver's license or Social Security number when registering, which serves as a verification of citizenship. However, some politicians propose additional proof requirements, like a birth certificate or passport, under the SAVE Act, which faces opposition in Congress. Misunderstandings about registration processes have led to widespread confusion among citizens, as seen in Alabama where citizens received letters questioning their voting eligibility without clear guidance.
The Rising Fear and Political Context
The resurgence of non-citizen voting claims ties to heightened political tensions surrounding immigration and election-related fears. The so-called 'Great Replacement' theory has gained traction, leading to increased anxiety about the potential impact of immigration on electoral outcomes. Polling data reveals that a significant portion of the American public, especially among Republicans, views immigration as a critical issue, fueling these unfounded narratives further. The rhetoric surrounding this issue poses risks of discrediting legitimate electoral processes and instilling fear in marginalized communities about voting.
It's an allegation that's centuries old, but is increasingly becoming prominent in political discourse — that noncitizens are voting en masse to influence American elections. Even though it isn't true, it is influencing policy discussions, and having an impact on registered voters.
This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and correspondent Jude Joffe-Block.
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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