Claims About Noncitizens on Voter Rolls
Former President Donald Trump stated that hundreds of thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote in crucial states like California, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, clear evidence supporting this allegation is missing.
One document from the White House claims over 250,000 such registrations, yet lacks a detailed explanation of how this number was verified. The document suggests the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, but it’s known for errors, often flagging newly naturalized citizens incorrectly as noncitizens. Despite this, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials confirm that the database only indicates the need for further verification, not definite proof of noncitizenship.
The same document mentioned 400,000 registrations flagged as deceased out of 68 million reviewed.
Assessing China’s Alleged Interference
President Trump also alleged significant Chinese interference in U.S. elections, declaring that China acquired 220 million voter files. These files typically contain names, addresses, and party preferences, and are publicly accessible in most states.
An analysis of this claim reveals that while these records can be legally obtained, Trump did not offer proof that China illicitly acquired them. The U.S. intelligence community has repeatedly found no credible evidence of Chinese interference altering the outcomes of elections.
Reaction to Trump’s Accusations
Current and former election officials swiftly responded to Trump’s speech. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson dismissed his theories as debunked. Arizona’s Maricopa County Recorder, Stephen Richer, reassured that their use of paper ballots ensures election integrity.
Wisconsin Elections Commission members reiterated the public nature of voter data and disputed claims of foreign tampering with their records.
U.S.-China Relations
These allegations come midst careful U.S.-China diplomatic relations, as Chinese President Xi Jinping plans a U.S. visit in the fall. Such accusations may strain interactions between the countries.
The Intelligence Community’s Conclusion
In 2021, the U.S. intelligence community stated that China considered, but did not execute, efforts to influence the 2020 elections. Overarching assessments concluded that no foreign adversary affected the technical mechanics of U.S. voting processes.
Efforts to Secure Elections
The Biden administration and other officials continuously work to protect U.S. elections from foreign interference. The SAVE America Act, advocated by Trump for increased security, is viewed critically by parties across the political spectrum.