Multiple reports describe a U.S. Department of Homeland Security finding that large numbers of noncitizens are registered to vote for federal elections. CBS News reports that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging a combined total of about 250,000 noncitizens registered. The New York Post says an upcoming DHS report finds 278,000 noncitizens registered to vote.
President Donald Trump also publicly discusses the figures and is expected to address them in a primetime speech, according to the New York Post. Mint reports that Trump said the DHS found more than 278,000 noncitizens registered and, in some accounts, that the issue involves whether such people actually vote. However, Mint adds that the DHS material does not provide evidence that noncitizens cast ballots, and that critics question the methodology used in the review.
Elections experts cited by CBS warn the numbers could reflect an overcount and caution that registration data can be difficult to interpret without more detail on how noncitizens were identified and how records were validated. The reports present the controversy as centered on large registration estimates versus the lack of proof of voting and concerns about the underlying process.
