Concerns Over DHS Efforts on Non-U.S. Citizen Voting

An email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked concerns about actions targeting non-U.S. citizens in voter rolls. The email, obtained by NPR, included a 78-page list of counties and states offering election materials in non-English languages, shared alongside a Department of Justice criminal checklist. While no enforcement is noted, Democrats worry these efforts could deter eligible voters in midterm elections.

DHS asserts increased resources to investigate noncitizen voting, despite rare fraud findings in past audits. Much of the email content remains redacted. A court filing defending DHS’s redactions described it as sharing initial thoughts within leadership.

The document’s existence worries Dan Freeman, the Democratic National Committee’s litigation director, who links it to potential prosecution in multilingual jurisdictions.

DHS’s plans regarding polling locations are uncertain. Homeland Security officials have stirred fears of ICE agents possibly serving warrants at polling places. Secretary Markwayne Mullin hinted at such actions, and President Trump emphasized ensuring ‘honest’ elections.

Concerns extend to voters, with a University of California San Diego survey indicating 40% anticipate ICE presence at polling sites. This includes significant portions of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Concerns are more pronounced among voters of color fearing questioning by immigration authorities.

Election officials worry this could impact voter turnout. Paul López, Denver’s top voting official involved in legal action to prevent federal agents from polling sites, notes a potential ‘chilling effect’ on voting due to fear tactics.

Despite Denver’s mention in the document and its significant Hispanic or Latino population, López remains unworried. He stresses that targeting voters based on language is illegal under federal law.

His message encouraging voters is clear: ‘Democracy will happen’ despite intimidation attempts.