Are illegal immigrants voting? GOP seeks citizenship proof for US elections.

With illegal immigration one of the top issues on voters’ minds heading into the 2024 election, Republicans are making a nationwide push to require proof of citizenship in order to vote. 

But Democrats, citing a lack of documented cases of noncitizen voting, say a law is unnecessary since it’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. Moreover, they argue, it would result in disqualifying eligible voters. They accuse Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, of pushing this issue to lay the groundwork for claiming the election was stolen if they lose in November.  

Why We Wrote This

Concerned about voter fraud and illegal immigration, Republicans are pushing to require proof of citizenship to vote. Critics say noncitizen voting is already illegal and rare, but it’s hard to prove a negative. Here’s what is known – and unknown.

There are very few proven instances of noncitizens registering to vote, and even fewer of them actually voting. 

On the federal voter registration form, which is accepted by all states except two, prospective voters must check a box affirming under penalty of perjury that they are a U.S. citizen. The form does not require accompanying proof of citizenship, but warns applicants that anyone who provides false information may be fined, imprisoned, or – if a noncitizen – deported.

With illegal immigration one of the top issues on voters’ minds heading into the 2024 election, Republicans are making a nationwide push to require proof of citizenship in order to vote. The GOP-run House of Representatives passed a bill in July that would do just that, the SAVE Act – with support from five Democrats. 

Former President Donald Trump has also repeatedly urged such measures, including in Tuesday night’s debate, alleging that his opponents are irresponsibly encouraging unauthorized immigrants to vote. “A lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, they’re trying to get them to vote. They can’t even speak English. They don’t even know what country they’re in practically, and these people are trying to get them to vote,” he said.

Now Speaker Mike Johnson is saying that unless the House and Senate agree to the SAVE Act, he’ll shut down the government when the fiscal year ends Sept. 30 – though it appears he lacks the support within his own party to do so. 

Why We Wrote This

Concerned about voter fraud and illegal immigration, Republicans are pushing to require proof of citizenship to vote. Critics say noncitizen voting is already illegal and rare, but it’s hard to prove a negative. Here’s what is known – and unknown.

But Democrats, citing a lack of documented cases of noncitizen voting, say a law is unnecessary since it’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote. Moreover, they argue, it would result in disqualifying eligible voters. They accuse Republicans, including Mr. Trump, of pushing this issue to lay the groundwork for claiming the election was stolen if they lose in November.

Is proof of citizenship currently required to vote?

The short answer is, citizenship is required in federal elections, but proof of citizenship generally isn’t, although some voters may provide that while establishing their identity and residency.

Sixteen municipalities allow noncitizens to vote in local elections, according to Ballotpedia. But elsewhere there’s pushback to the idea. Amendments to bar noncitizen voting are on the ballot this fall in eight states: Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

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