The issue of noncitizen voting has been a polarizing topic in recent years, often dominating political discourse and fueling debates about election integrity. However, the reality of noncitizen voting is far different from the alarming narratives that sometimes surround it. In Ohio, recent investigations and prosecutions have highlighted the rarity of noncitizen voting and underscored the gap between political rhetoric and factual evidence.
The Backstory: Investigating Voter Fraud in Ohio
Before the 2024 presidential election, Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Attorney General Dave Yost launched investigations into alleged voter fraud, specifically targeting cases of noncitizens casting ballots. These efforts were part of a broader Republican strategy emphasizing election security and raising alarms about the possibility of ineligible voters influencing election outcomes.
In total, LaRose referred 621 cases of potential voter fraud to the Attorney General’s office for investigation. Yet, despite the dramatic rhetoric, only nine individuals were indicted for voting as noncitizens over the span of ten years. Of those nine cases, one individual was found to have passed away. These cases represent an infinitesimal fraction of Ohio’s 8 million registered voters and the millions of votes cast during the same period.
The Reality of Noncitizen Voting
While concerns about noncitizen voting are often used to question election integrity, evidence from Ohio and other states demonstrates that such cases are exceedingly rare. Moreover, when noncitizen voting does occur, it is often due to misunderstandings rather than malicious intent.
Many of the individuals facing charges are long-time community members who mistakenly believed they were eligible to vote. Their stories reveal a pattern of confusion rather than an organized effort to undermine elections.
Case Studies: Misunderstandings with Severe Consequences
Nicholas Fontaine: A Mistaken Assumption
Nicholas Fontaine, a 32-year-old Canadian-born permanent resident, is one of the individuals recently indicted. Fontaine, who has lived in the U.S. since he was two years old, voted in the 2016 and 2018 elections under the mistaken belief that his obligation to register for the military draft also granted him voting rights.
Fontaine explained that he received a postcard from the local board of elections directing him to his polling place, which he interpreted as confirmation of his eligibility. He cast his votes without issue, presenting identification at the polls, and received no warnings until years later, when Homeland Security officials informed him that his actions were illegal.
Now facing felony charges and potential deportation, Fontaine insists he never intended to break the law. “I would never have cast an illegal vote intentionally,” he stated, highlighting the lack of malice in his actions.
Fiona Allen: A Heartbreaking Misstep
Fiona Allen, a Jamaican immigrant living in Ohio for nine years, also faces charges for illegal voting. Allen, a mother of two and wife to a naturalized U.S. citizen serving in the military, believed her voter registration form would not be processed if she were ineligible. Despite leaving the citizenship checkbox blank on her form, Allen was registered and subsequently voted in three elections.
Now facing criminal prosecution, Allen’s case underscores the severe consequences of such misunderstandings, as well as the emotional toll on individuals and their families.
Lorinda Miller: A Case of Misinformation
At 78 years old, Lorinda Miller is another example of how confusion can lead to unintended violations. Miller, a Canadian-born individual affiliated with an indigenous tribe, was told that her tribal paperwork identifying her as a “citizen of North America” was sufficient for voter registration. She even participated in jury duty, further reinforcing her belief in her eligibility.
Miller’s lawyer, Reid Yoder, plans to take her case to trial, arguing that her actions were based on a genuine misunderstanding. “To defraud the system, you have to know you’re doing it,” Yoder stated, emphasizing that Miller believed she was acting lawfully.
Understanding the Broader Implications
The cases in Ohio reflect a national pattern: noncitizen voting is not a widespread issue. When it does happen, it is often due to administrative errors or personal misunderstandings rather than intentional fraud.
According to Jay Young, senior director of the Voting and
Democracy Program for Common Cause, voter rolls are regularly cleaned, and the penalties for illegal voting are severe. These measures make large-scale voter fraud virtually impossible. Young argues that the narrative of widespread noncitizen voting is a politically motivated myth designed to sow division and undermine trust in the electoral system.
The Consequences of Misleading Narratives
The rhetoric surrounding noncitizen voting often distracts from the facts and undermines confidence in election integrity. By perpetuating the idea of widespread voter fraud, political actors can cast doubt on legitimate election results and deepen partisan divides.
While election security is crucial, it is equally important to address the human cost of these narratives. Individuals like Fontaine, Allen, and Miller face life-altering consequences for actions they believed to be lawful. These cases highlight the need for clearer communication about voting eligibility and more compassionate approaches to enforcement.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Perception and Reality
The investigations in Ohio reveal an important truth: noncitizen voting is rare, often unintentional, and effectively caught and prosecuted when it does occur. While the sanctity of the vote must be protected, it is equally vital to ensure that enforcement is fair and proportional.
By focusing on facts rather than fear, we can build a more informed and united electorate. Misleading narratives about noncitizen voting only serve to erode trust in our democratic processes, making it imperative to separate myth from reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How common is noncitizen voting in the United States?
Noncitizen voting is extremely rare. Investigations consistently show that instances of noncitizen voting represent a tiny fraction of total votes cast and are often due to misunderstandings rather than coordinated efforts.
2. What are the penalties for noncitizen voting?
Noncitizens who vote illegally can face severe consequences, including fines, felony charges, prison sentences, and deportation.
3. Why do some noncitizens mistakenly believe they can vote?
Misunderstandings often arise from unclear communication about voting eligibility or misinformation. Some individuals believe they are eligible due to obligations like registering for the military draft or receiving voter registration confirmation.
4. How do election officials ensure the integrity of voter rolls?
Voter rolls are regularly cleaned to remove ineligible voters, such as those who have moved, passed away, or are noncitizens. These measures help maintain accurate and secure voter registration lists.
5. What can be done to prevent misunderstandings about voting eligibility?
Improved education about voting laws and clearer communication during voter registration processes can help prevent misunderstandings. Additionally, election officials can implement better safeguards to verify eligibility before registration is approved.