Misinformation is spreading on social media, particularly from German users, falsely claiming they voted in US elections without ID. These posts, often viewed as jokes, misrepresent US voting requirements and can erode trust in the electoral process. Experts clarify that US citizens must register and provide ID to vote, and instances of electoral fraud are extremely rare. Such misleading narratives threaten the integrity of democratic processes, especially as the 2024 elections approach.
Misleading Claims About Voting in the US
A wave of misinformation is sweeping across social media platforms, particularly from German users, falsely asserting that they have participated in the US elections multiple times without needing to show identification. This is simply not true.
Posts are rapidly circulating on X, featuring similar phrases: ‘I’m German, and since voting in the USA doesn’t require an ID, I took a road trip and voted in several swing states!’ or ‘I’m German, but since you don’t need an ID to vote in America, I voted for several candidates while traveling.’ Many of these posts include images of ballots marked for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, showcasing a clear misunderstanding of the voting process in the United States.
These misleading posts have garnered millions of views on X. A fact-check from Deutsche Welle reveals that a widely shared image originally comes from the Associated Press, photographed by Jon Elswick in September 2024. It appears that this misinformation may have been adapted from a similar post originating in Denmark.
The Spread of a ‘Joke’
Identical posts have emerged from various European countries, including Austria, Ireland, and France, as well as Canada, where individuals allege they voted in the US without proper identification. One user claimed to have traveled from Canada to vote for Trump, citing a lack of ID checks.
While the original Danish and German posts may have been intended as jokes, the humor has not translated well for all audiences. Many commenters recognize these posts as satire, created for attention, yet others perceive them as serious claims of electoral fraud. Johannes Thimm, a political scientist, points out that such narratives can fuel distrust in the electoral process, especially in an environment already rife with concerns about election integrity.
As the US elections approach, disinformation campaigns are rampant, aiming to erode public confidence in the electoral system.
Understanding Voter Requirements
In the US, while voter identification is often not mandated, this does not equate to a rise in electoral fraud. ‘There is no national ID requirement from federal authorities, but other forms of ID, such as a driver’s license, are accepted. Moreover, registration is a prerequisite for voting,’ explains Andreas Etges from the Amerika-Institut of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Thimm adds that registering to vote necessitates proof of identity, often requiring a social security number or another form of identification. Voters must typically register by a specific deadline and cannot simply show up at any polling place to vote, especially not in multiple locations.
According to Etges, ‘Elections in the USA are secure. Research indicates that while voting errors can occur, cases of individuals voting multiple times are exceedingly rare.’ A study by the Brennan Center for Justice found only 30 instances of suspected non-citizen voting out of 23.5 million legal voters, yielding a fraud rate of 0.0001 percent.
Eligibility to Vote in the US
Only US citizens are eligible to vote in elections. Can a German citizen cast a vote in the US? ‘Yes,’ asserts Etges, ‘if they hold American citizenship and are properly registered in a state where they reside or were last registered.’
Thimm emphasizes the serious legal consequences of electoral fraud, noting that the risk of being imprisoned for casting an illegal vote, especially when it would not significantly impact the election outcome, is irrational. Etges warns that attempting to vote without proper registration can lead to arrest.
The narrative that non-citizens are manipulating election results has been propagated alongside other unfounded claims of electoral fraud, particularly by Republican figures. ‘For many years, these assertions about widespread fraud, including mail-in voting, have not held up in court or research,’ Etges explains.
The Danger of False Claims
These misleading assertions aim to undermine the legitimacy of democratic victories and provide excuses for potential defeats. ‘Such claims can lead to dangerous outcomes, as evidenced by the events of January 6, 2021,’ Etges warns. There is a looming threat of violence against politicians and election officials, as some factions refuse to accept unfavorable election results.
During the lead-up to the 2024 election, numerous false claims about non-citizen voting have circulated, not only from international sources but also domestically. Reports indicate that major news outlets and Republican members of Congress have disseminated over 140 false claims regarding non-citizen voting since September.