Misinformation About Obama’s 2016 Voting Remarks

As the midterms approach, President Donald Trump has advocated for stricter proof of citizenship laws. Social media users are circulating a misleading claim about a 2016 clip of former President Barack Obama. This clip is being used to falsely suggest Obama urged people in the U.S. illegally to vote. The origin of the clip traces back to a video by mitú, a Latino media company, featuring actress Gina Rodriguez interviewing Obama about voting myths.

False Claims and Context

In the interview, false interpretations claim Obama encourages noncitizen voting. The edited clip in question misleads viewers by suggesting Obama supports illegal voting. In reality, he tells eligible voters, including Latino citizens, to participate in elections. He does not endorse noncitizen voting.

An X post asserts, “Then President Obama openly encouraged illegals to vote in the 2016 election,” and it has been widely shared. The section of the clip in focus starts with Obama stating, “If you want to vote and you show up at your polling place, they can’t stop you.”

Full Interview Details

In the full interview, Rodriguez questions if the election process is rigged. Obama assures it is not and mentions historical voting suppression, especially against African Americans. He emphasizes that voters cannot be deterred if they appear at polling places. Rodriguez then raises concerns about immigrant voters revealing family details through voting.

“Not true,” Obama responds. “When you vote, you are a citizen yourself,” emphasizing representation for oneself and the broader community.

An Obama spokesperson chose not to comment further.

Noncitizen Voting Laws

Numerous studies affirm noncitizen voting in federal elections is rare. A 1996 law prohibits noncitizens from voting in presidential or congressional elections, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Voter registration includes confirming U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury. Federal mandates require state maintenance of voter rolls to exclude ineligible persons, which might identify illegal immigrants. No state constitutions allow noncitizen voting, and many states ban it outright for state offices. However, some localities permit noncitizen participation in school board or city council elections.

Investigations and Errors

Trump and Republicans argue noncitizen voting is prevalent, citing a DHS investigation claiming 278,000 noncitizen voter registrations. Yet, there is no evidence of these individuals voting, and the data lacks verification.

In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill noted errors resulting in the improper registration of around 6,600 noncitizens. This was due to a Motor Vehicle Commission system software mistake. Fewer than 400 of these registrants have reportedly voted. The White House referenced this situation to support Trump’s SAVE America Act, aiming for proof of citizenship in voter registration and national voter ID requirements. The act passed in the House, but not the Senate.

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