Election Officials Warn of Threats and Misinformation Impacting U.S. Voting System
Top election officials from U.S. states alert Congress about eroding confidence in elections due to misinformation and threats. They address concerns over non-citizen voting and recent executive orders.
In a recent congressional hearing, leading election officials from various U.S. states raised alarms about the deteriorating trust in the electoral process. This erosion of confidence stems from ideologically-driven attempts to undermine the system, resulting in persistent threats against election workers.
Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico's Secretary of State, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue in her testimony to the House Administration Committee, which is responsible for overseeing federal elections. She highlighted a troubling cycle of misinformation that needs to be broken for the nation's benefit.
The upcoming election on November 5, 2024, is already being colored by what Toulouse Oliver describes as "conspiracies, misinformation and outright lies." These falsehoods have led to increased threats, violence, and unnecessary public information requests, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear among election administrators.
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State, echoed these concerns, revealing that she and her staff have faced personal threats. She stressed the critical need to protect election officials to maintain a secure democracy.
The issue of non-citizen voting has become a focal point of misinformation. Donald Trump has recently intensified his baseless claims about the 2020 election and potential illegal voting in the upcoming contest. However, Toulouse Oliver firmly stated that non-citizen voting "simply does not happen in any systematic way" in New Mexico or across the nation.
It's important to note that non-citizen voting is a felony offense in the United States. Independent studies have consistently shown that such instances are extremely rare. This fact underscores the importance of accurate information in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Frank LaRose, Ohio's Secretary of State, presented a different perspective, expressing concerns about non-citizen voting due to increased migration. His office reported identifying nearly 600 non-citizens registered to vote out of Ohio's approximately 8 million registered voters.
"The executive order would result in votes being cast outside the law."
Warner's statement refers to a 2023 executive order directing federal agencies to assist with voter registration. This order has become a target of Republican lawsuits, claiming it could potentially enable non-citizen voting.
The debate surrounding election integrity highlights the complex nature of the U.S. electoral system. While the Constitution grants states primary responsibility for conducting elections, federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 provide important guidelines and support.
As the nation approaches the 2024 election, addressing these concerns and ensuring the security and fairness of the voting process remains a critical challenge for election officials and lawmakers alike.
