The Honest Elections Project (HEP) has issued a grave warning about vulnerabilities in the American voting system as the nation gears up for the pivotal midterm elections. With Congressional contests looming, critical issues pertaining to election integrity are demanding immediate attention. HEP underscores the urgency to close loopholes that threaten the legitimacy of the electoral process.
In their latest report, HEP highlights 14 areas of concern, focusing particularly on the risk of noncitizen voting and the influence of foreign money in electoral campaigns. This comes at a crucial time as many state legislatures hold their final sessions before the 2026 elections, presenting what the organization sees as a narrow window for implementing significant reforms.
Among the notable threats identified in the report is the involvement of foreign-linked funds that have shaped ballot measures in 26 states. Although U.S. laws prohibit foreign individuals from donating directly to political candidates, HEP points out that a loophole allows these entities to contribute indirectly, often through ballot measures. They describe these measures as a “Trojan Horse for foreign influence,” particularly from countries deemed adversarial like China and Russia.
To address these challenges, HEP proposes the “Prohibiting Foreign Funding from Ballot Measures Act.” This legislation aims to prohibit both direct and indirect contributions from foreign sources and requires disclosure from donors affirming their ties are free of foreign financing. The penalties for violations would be severe, aligning with HEP’s commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
Furthermore, the report raises alarms over “a growing number” of urban centers, particularly Washington, D.C., and New York, advocating for noncitizen voting rights. The language in many state constitutions, which broadly grants voting rights to “any” or “every” citizen, has fueled speculation that liberal groups may argue for the inclusion of noncitizens in the electoral process. HEP emphasizes the need for states to amend their constitutions to clarify that only citizens are entitled to vote.
Besides urging these constitutional amendments, HEP also advocates for the Documentary Proof of Citizenship Act. This measure would require voters to provide verifiable proof of citizenship to engage in state and local elections. It aims to make it a criminal offense for noncitizens to register or for officials to register individuals lacking proof of citizenship. This legislative approach seeks to reinforce the integrity of the voting process in line with existing federal laws.
Alongside these initiatives, HEP outlines additional proposed legislation tackling related issues. This includes the Interstate Voter Assistance Act, the Never Resided Act, the Procedural Election Audits Act, the Uniform Election Dates Act, and measures to restrict government entities from accepting external donations for election administration purposes.
Addressing these pressing issues, HEP Executive Director Jason Snead asserts that while significant strides have been made in streamlining voting access, the battle against potential election fraud continues. He emphasizes, “State lawmakers have one last opportunity to shore up their election laws ahead of the extremely important 2026 midterms.” With HEP serving as a guide, the organization aims to bolster the integrity of elections across the country.
In summary, the Honest Elections Project’s report shines a light on critical vulnerabilities within the U.S. electoral system. Through proposed legislation targeting foreign influence and noncitizen voting, HEP lays out a path forward, ensuring states take necessary action to strengthen the foundations of democracy in anticipation of the upcoming elections.
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