The Trump administration has issued more than 100 subpoenas to state and local election officials in an effort to identify noncitizen voters before next week's midterm elections. This expanded hunt for noncitizen voters targets tens of thousands of individuals across at least 13 states, including Democratic strongholds like Los Angeles and Philadelphia, as well as competitive Republican-leaning states such as Georgia and Texas.

What is the goal of the subpoenas?

The administration aims to uncover evidence of unlawful voting by individuals who are not U.S. citizens. While it is illegal for noncitizens to participate in federal elections, multiple studies and analyses have found that such instances are exceedingly rare.

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Key details regarding the legal actions include:

  • At least 49 subpoenas were issued via grand juries, which are linked to criminal investigations.
  • The White House stated that "only Americans should be electing America’s leaders."
  • Federal law enforcement agents have also been deployed to question residents in various states.

Legal experts expressed concern that these records might be used to challenge the results of close midterm races. Officials also worry the investigations could damage public confidence in the election system.

How is the campaign trail shifting?

As the federal investigation intensifies, former President Barack Obama has entered the fray, campaigning in Georgia to support Democratic efforts. Meanwhile, President Trump has been holding rallies in states like Ohio to shore up Republican support. These contests are vital, as they may determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.

In Alaska, the race has been complicated by allegations regarding a "spoiler" candidate. President Trump has called for the prosecution of Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola following reports that her campaign may have helped recruit a candidate with a similar name to the Republican incumbent to confuse voters.

FAQ

Is noncitizen voting common in the U.S.?

No, research and analysis indicate that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare, occurring in fewer than one out of every million votes cast in 2024.

Why are grand jury subpoenas significant?

Grand jury subpoenas are tied to criminal investigations, making them more difficult to challenge in court than standard administrative subpoenas.