To the Editor:

In response to the letter from Paul Platz published in The Journal on March 31, we felt it was necessary to issue a clear, fact-based response.

First, it is important to understand that voting by non-citizens in federal elections is illegal and carries significant penalties. In addition to prison and massive fines, a noncitizen would risk deportation or derailing their naturalization process by voting. Beyond that, our election system includes multiple safeguards to prevent ineligible voting. Voter registration requires verification of identity, and states routinely maintain and update voter rolls to ensure accuracy. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has access to government data bases which are used to verify voter eligibility including citizenship status.

Equally important is the evidence. Numerous studies, audits, and investigations across the country have consistently found that instances of non-citizen voting are exceedingly rare. When they do occur, they are typically isolated cases, not part of any organized or widespread effort, and they do not impact election outcomes. Reuters has noted that even the pro-Trump Heritage Foundation’s database of election crimes listed only 24 instances of noncitizens voting in U.S. elections over a period of twenty years, from 2003 to 2023.

Election integrity is a serious matter, and it is right for people to ask questions. But it is just as important that our public discussions are grounded in facts, not misinformation. Repeating unverified claims can undermine confidence in a system that, by design, is secure and reliable.

We should all share the goal of fair and trustworthy elections. That goal is best served by focusing on credible information and the systems already in place to protect the vote.

League of Women Voters of New Ulm