Is voter fraud a problem in the US?
Short answer: Documented voter fraud in the U.S. exists but is rare; studies find it occurs at extremely low rates and has seldom affected outcomes in modern statewide or national elections. For example, one comprehensive review found just 31 credible cases of voter impersonation out of more than 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014, and broader academic surveys put overall fraud incidence between about 0.0003% and 0.0025%.[1]
What we know from recent cycles:
Fraud does happen, usually in isolated, small numbers—and it is prosecuted. A prominent modern example is North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in 2018, where an absentee-ballot scheme led the state elections board to throw out the results and order a new election. That case is notable precisely because it’s unusual.[4]
Mail voting specifically: Multiple analyses find very low rates of proven mail-ballot fraud. Using the Heritage Foundation’s compilation of prosecuted cases, Brookings estimated roughly 134 voting-fraud cases per year across the U.S. over a 12‑year span—a vanishingly small share of total votes.[5]
Perception vs. reality: Despite the low documented incidence, many Americans tell survey researchers they believe fraud occurs. The MIT Election Data and Science Lab’s study of the 2024 election documents this perception gap, which is shaped more by partisanship and misinformation than by evidence.[6]
Bottom line: Voter fraud is not a widespread problem in the U.S., though isolated cases occur and should be addressed. If you’d like, tell me your state, and I can outline the safeguards used there and how to report suspected fraud.
Citations (6)
- A comprehensive investigation of voter impersonation finds 31 credible incidents out of one billion ballots cast - The Washington Post
Backs: “For example, one comprehensive review found just 31 credible cases of voter impersonation out of more than 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014, and broader academic surveys put overall fraud incidence between about 0.0003% and 0.0025%.”
- Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council & the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating Executive Committees | CISA
Backs: “Federal and state election-security officials said the November 3, 2020 election was the “most secure in American history,” and courts repeatedly rejected fraud claims for lack of evidence.”
- No evidence of voter fraud found in midterms: cybersecurity officials
Backs: “Cybersecurity officials similarly reported no evidence that voting systems deleted, lost, or changed votes in any race.”
- I. INTRODUCTION
Backs: “A prominent modern example is North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in 2018, where an absentee-ballot scheme led the state elections board to throw out the results and order a new election. That case is notable precisely because it’s unusual.”
- Mail voting fraud: Data points to low risk and high benefits for voters | Brookings
Backs: “Using the Heritage Foundation’s compilation of prosecuted cases, Brookings estimated roughly 134 voting-fraud cases per year across the U.S. over a 12‑year span—a vanishingly small share of total votes.”
- How We Voted in 2024: A Topical Look at the Survey of the Performance of American Elections
Backs: “The MIT Election Data and Science Lab’s study of the 2024 election documents this perception gap, which is shaped more by partisanship and misinformation than by evidence.”