Mike Johnson Claims Election Cheating and Non-Citizen Voting without Evidence

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson baselessly claimed there will be cheating in the 2024 election, suggesting non-citizens may vote. His comments were met with scrutiny from Moderator Margaret Brennan, emphasizing the existing laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Johnson’s stance aligns with a broader Republican narrative questioning electoral integrity, raising concerns among some, including former Rep. Liz Cheney, about his commitment to uphold democratic principles in the future elections.

In a recent interview, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson raised alarm about alleged “cheating” and the possibility of “non-citizens” voting in the upcoming 2024 election, presenting these claims without any substantive evidence. Historically, Johnson has been a vocal critic of the electoral process, having voted against the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in 2020. During his appearance on Face the Nation, Johnson stated, “I think there is going to be some cheating in this election. I think non-citizens are going to vote,” echoing former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims about election fraud. Moderator Margaret Brennan responded by emphasizing that it is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, pointing to the established laws on the matter. Despite this, Johnson insisted that lax registration rules in certain states could lead to non-citizens voting. He referred to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s efforts to “clean up” voter rolls, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny for potentially violating the National Voter Registration Act regarding the timing of modifying voter rolls. As Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated, the “quiet period restriction” is designed to prevent confusion and potential disenfranchisement of qualified voters. Brennan admonished Johnson for undermining faith in state election systems even as he acknowledged measures taken to enhance electoral integrity. Johnson responded with accusations that the Democratic Party has intentionally allowed for an increased influx of non-citizen voters, again providing no evidence. Regarding the assertion that Democrats blocked legislative efforts to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration, Johnson remained insistent, while detractors claimed such moves would effectively suppress legitimate voter participation. Former Representative Liz Cheney voiced significant concern over Johnson’s stance, expressing doubts about his commitment to uphold constitutional responsibilities if the 2024 election results in a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris. Johnson’s conditional promise to certify the election outcome—only if deemed “free, fair, and legal”—has led Cheney to conclude that a Republican majority in the House come January 2025 would be detrimental.

The claims made by Speaker Mike Johnson resonate with a broader narrative within certain segments of the Republican Party, particularly concerning electoral integrity and alleged voter fraud. Historically, such assertions have been intensified by the actions and statements of former President Trump, especially following the 2020 election. Johnson’s comments reflect a continued skepticism about the electoral process that has been prevalent among certain electorates, potentially influencing public perception ahead of the critical 2024 elections. This discourse has significant implications for legislation related to voter registration, as well as the ongoing debate over state versus federal regulations of electoral processes.

In conclusion, Speaker Mike Johnson’s claims regarding potential election cheating and non-citizen voting have sparked significant controversy and debate. His assertions, which lack supporting evidence, echo a broader trend of skepticism towards electoral integrity within the GOP. With forthcoming legislative and electoral challenges ahead, it remains paramount for stakeholders in the electoral process to navigate these claims critically and uphold the integrity of democratic practices.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com