Is voter fraud a problem in the US?

Short answer: It happens, but it’s rare—and there’s no credible evidence it has recently changed outcomes in national U.S. elections. When it does occur, it’s usually isolated and more likely to matter in very close local races.

What the best evidence shows

•Overall prevalence: Large-scale reviews have repeatedly found extremely low rates of voter fraud. For example, a comprehensive review by law professor Justin Levitt identified just 31 credible cases of in‑person voter impersonation out of more than 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014—an incidence close to zero.[1]

•2020 election security: Federal and state election security officials said the November 3, 2020 election was the “most secure in American history,” and the Justice Department under Attorney General William Barr reported it found no evidence of fraud on a scale that would change the outcome. Multiple audits and recounts aligned with those conclusions.[2]

•Types of fraud seen: When fraud is proven, it more often involves absentee/mail ballot schemes, vote buying, or administrative wrongdoing—not voters impersonating others at the polls (which studies consistently find to be vanishingly rare).[3]

•Documented cases exist: The Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud Database catalogs hundreds of proven cases over many years (convictions, overturned results, or official findings), illustrating that fraud can and does occur even if infrequently.[4]

Real examples where it affected results

•North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District (2018): A coordinated absentee‑ballot scheme led the bipartisan state board to throw out the election and order a new one.[5]

•Bridgeport, Connecticut (2023): A state judge ordered a new mayoral primary after video evidence and testimony showed mishandled absentee ballots that called the result into doubt.[6]

Bottom line

•In the United States, proven voter fraud is uncommon and has not been shown to alter recent national election outcomes, though isolated cases do occur and can be consequential in close local contests. Efforts to improve election administration—paper trails, audits, bipartisan oversight, and clear absentee‑ballot rules—help keep the risk low.[2]

If you want, I can tailor this to your state and point you to the specific safeguards and recent cases (if any) where you live.

Citations (6)

1washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
A comprehensive investigation of voter impersonation finds 31 credible incidents out of one billion ballots cast - The Washington Post
Backs: “For example, a comprehensive review by law professor Justin Levitt identified just 31 credible cases of in‑person voter impersonation out of more than 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014—an incidence close to zero.”
2squarespace.comCompanies
Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Council Executive Committees — NASED
Backs: “Multiple audits and recounts aligned with those conclusions.”
3brennancenter.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Debunking the Voter Fraud Myth | Brennan Center for Justice
Backs: “When fraud is proven, it more often involves absentee/mail ballot schemes, vote buying, or administrative wrongdoing—not voters impersonating others at the polls (which studies consistently find to be vanishingly rare).”
4heritage.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Heritage Releases Updated Election Fraud Database, Featuring New Fraud Map | The Heritage Foundation
Backs: “The Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud Database catalogs hundreds of proven cases over many years (convictions, overturned results, or official findings), illustrating that fraud can and does occur even if infrequently.”
5ncsbe.govGovernment
State Board unanimously orders new election in 9th Congressional District | NCSBE
Backs: “A coordinated absentee‑ballot scheme led the bipartisan state board to throw out the election and order a new one.”
6nbcconnecticut.comNews and mediaquality 0.55
Judge orders new Bridgeport mayoral primary after surveillance videos show possible ballot stuffing – NBC Connecticut
Backs: “A state judge ordered a new mayoral primary after video evidence and testimony showed mishandled absentee ballots that called the result into doubt.”