Digest

This episode of the NPR Politics Podcast dives into the persistent myth of non-citizen voting in US elections, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked by studies and audits. The hosts discuss the lack of evidence supporting this claim, highlighting numerous studies and audits that have found only a handful of isolated cases of non-citizen voting, often accidental. They explore the origins of this conspiracy theory, connecting it to the "great replacement theory," a racist conspiracy theory that alleges elites are intentionally replacing white populations with immigrants of color to dilute their voting power. The podcast examines the voter registration process, emphasizing the checks and balances in place to prevent non-citizens from registering, including the use of driver's licenses and social security numbers as proof of citizenship. They discuss the potential confusion caused by the requirement for a citizenship checkmark on voter registration cards. The episode explores Republican efforts to enforce proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, including the Save Act, and the potential impact of these measures on voters, particularly those who may not have readily available documentation. They discuss the confusion caused by communications sent to voters regarding their citizenship status. The podcast explores the reasons behind the resurgence of the non-citizen voting myth in the current political climate, connecting it to the unprecedented number of immigrants at the US-Mexico border and the potential for this myth to be used to discredit election results. The episode examines the responses of election officials to the claims of non-citizen voting, discussing the use of lawsuits as a tactic to discredit elections, the potential impact of proof of citizenship requirements on voter turnout, and the concerns of election officials about the spread of misinformation.

Outlines

00:00:59

The Myth of Non-Citizen Voting

This episode debunks the persistent myth of non-citizen voting in US elections, highlighting the lack of evidence supporting this claim and exploring its connection to the "great replacement theory."

00:03:30

Voter Registration and Proof of Citizenship

The podcast examines the voter registration process, emphasizing the checks and balances in place to prevent non-citizens from registering and discussing the potential confusion caused by the requirement for a citizenship checkmark on voter registration cards.

00:04:36

Republican Efforts to Enforce Proof of Citizenship

The episode explores Republican efforts to enforce proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, including the Save Act, and the potential impact of these measures on voters, particularly those who may not have readily available documentation.

00:08:13

The Resurgence of the Non-Citizen Voting Myth

The podcast explores the reasons behind the resurgence of the non-citizen voting myth in the current political climate, connecting it to the unprecedented number of immigrants at the US-Mexico border and the potential for this myth to be used to discredit election results.

Keywords

Q&A

• What evidence is there to support the claim that non-citizens are voting in US elections?

  There is no evidence to support this claim. Numerous studies and audits have debunked it, finding only a handful of isolated cases of non-citizen voting, which are often accidental.

• How does the "great replacement theory" relate to the non-citizen voting myth?

  The "great replacement theory" is a racist conspiracy theory that alleges elites are intentionally replacing white populations with immigrants of color to dilute their voting power. This theory provides a framework for understanding the non-citizen voting myth, as it suggests that immigrants are a threat to the political power of white Americans.

• What are the potential impacts of Republican efforts to enforce proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration?

  These efforts could disproportionately impact marginalized communities who may not have readily available documentation, potentially leading to voter suppression. They could also create confusion and fear among voters, discouraging participation in elections.

• How are election officials responding to the claims of non-citizen voting?

  Election officials are concerned about the spread of misinformation and the potential for these claims to be used to discredit election results. They are also worried about the impact of proof of citizenship requirements on voter turnout and the potential for voter suppression.

Show Notes