House Republicans from Minnesota have joined the Republican National Committee in demanding an explanation from the state’s Democratic administration after it was discovered that noncitizens were improperly registered to vote. The Republicans claim the state’s automatic voter registration system allowed ineligible individuals to register and are seeking a detailed accounting of how the errors occurred and the number of individuals affected.
A controversial Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship to vote is back in court, with the Supreme Court allowing some enforcement while concerns about noncitizen voting persist. The law has faced legal challenges, sparking debate about voter ID requirements and the potential for voter fraud.
The House Committee on Administration is launching an Election Observer Program aimed at increasing transparency in the upcoming elections. This program, which has been utilized in previous election cycles, will train congressional staffers to serve as poll watchers in key districts. The program’s launch comes as Republicans and Democrats engage in a heated debate over election integrity and security, with accusations of voter suppression levied against Republicans.
The Minnesota Republican Party and the Republican National Committee are demanding an investigation after a noncitizen, legally residing in the state, reported receiving a primary ballot without registering to vote. The GOP alleges that the state’s automatic voter registration system, implemented by Gov. Tim Walz, may have allowed noncitizens to register to vote.
Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are pushing to include the ‘SAVE Act’, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, in a must-pass spending bill. Democrats, however, are resisting this move, arguing that it is unnecessary and based on unfounded claims. The inclusion of this bill in the spending deal has become a point of contention between the two parties, potentially leading to a government shutdown if an agreement cannot be reached.
A recent survey reveals a stark divide in public confidence regarding the acceptance of the upcoming November presidential election results. While a majority trusts Vice President Kamala Harris to accept the outcome, a significant number doubt former President Donald Trump’s willingness to do so. The poll also highlights concerns about election integrity and the influence of political ideology on acceptance of results.
Despite existing laws prohibiting noncitizen voting in US elections, concerns about potential noncitizen voter registration and participation have escalated, particularly among Republicans. While incidents of noncitizen voting are rare, GOP officials are taking measures to address these concerns, including voter roll reviews and state-level legislation. However, Democrats argue that these measures could disenfranchise legal voters and are unnecessary, while experts suggest existing mechanisms effectively flag noncitizen voters.
Republican lawmakers are pushing to attach a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, the SAVE Act, to a stopgap spending measure, aiming to force a vote on the controversial legislation. While some Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, see it as a way to prevent voter fraud, others, like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, prioritize keeping the government open and avoiding a shutdown. The Biden-Harris administration opposes the bill, stating it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state has removed over 1.1 million names from its voter rolls since 2020, citing ineligibility. The removals were made after a comprehensive audit that identified noncitizens, deceased voters, and individuals who had moved out of state. The move has been met with criticism from some who argue it is an attempt to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority groups.
Republican lawmakers, including Senator Marco Rubio and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, have accused the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue of engaging in ‘smurfing,’ a form of money laundering used to disguise large campaign contributions. They allege that millions of dollars might be funneled into Democratic candidates’ campaign coffers through this illicit practice, which involves creating fake donors and exploiting unwitting individuals’ identities. This raises concerns about the integrity of U.S. elections and the potential for foreign interference.
