Election Integrity Expert Warns of Potential Threats to U.S. Democratic Process

Baldwin’s Findings Raise Concerns Over Voter Roll Accuracy

Election crime researcher Steve Baldwin has issued a stark warning about vulnerabilities in the U.S. electoral system, detailing how non-governmental organizations (NGOs), inaccurate voter rolls, and unverified mail-in ballots could allow illegal actors to undermine the nation’s democratic process. Baldwin contends that in several swing states, voter rolls are riddled with entries belonging to illegal aliens, deceased individuals, and residents who no longer live at their registered addresses. In some cases, he said, registrants are listed at addresses that are commercial properties, including gas stations.

According to Baldwin, the problem is not confined to sporadic errors but is systemic, with some NGOs allegedly processing voter registrations before migrants even cross the U.S. border. The addresses used for such registrations are sometimes tied to border-area processing centers rather than legitimate residential housing. Baldwin asserts that this phenomenon creates an inflated and unreliable voter database that, if left unchecked, could potentially sway close elections.

Phantom Voters Removed in Wisconsin

Baldwin cited one recent example in Wisconsin, where roughly 40,000 “phantom” voters—individuals who were ineligible or did not exist—were removed from official voter rolls. This purge, Baldwin noted, played a critical role in the re-election of Senator Ron Johnson, highlighting how voter list maintenance can directly influence electoral outcomes. While election authorities in Wisconsin have not confirmed Baldwin’s full account of the removals, the figure aligns with past reports that the state has performed targeted voter roll clean-ups to comply with federal and state mandates.

Historically, Wisconsin has been a political battleground, with presidential and senatorial races often decided by razor-thin margins. In such an environment, even a relatively small number of questionable registrations can have outsized importance.

The Role of NGOs and “Dark Money”

Beyond the inaccuracies in voter databases, Baldwin accused specific NGOs—including Catholic Charities—of facilitating questionable registrations. He described their involvement as paradoxical, noting that some of these organizations receive funding from political groups across the spectrum, including the Republican Party, even as their activities allegedly contribute to voter roll inflation.

Baldwin also expressed concern about “dark money,” financial contributions to political efforts that are not publicly traceable through conventional campaign finance disclosures. He suggested some of these funds may come from entities influenced or controlled by foreign governments, naming Chinese-affiliated groups as a possible source. While evidence tying foreign funding directly to voter registration irregularities remains contested, Baldwin said the possibility should prompt more aggressive campaign audits and oversight measures.

Mail-In Ballots Without Citizenship Verification

The rise of mail-in voting—a practice expanded during the pandemic to accommodate public health concerns—has also amplified Baldwin’s warnings. He argues that in certain states, mail-in ballots are issued without rigorous proof of citizenship, creating opportunities for non-citizens to participate in federal elections unlawfully.

Baldwin asserts that the lack of uniform ballot verification protocols across states is a critical gap in election security. While federal law requires that voters in federal elections be U.S. citizens, the actual enforcement of this rule is handled at the state and local level, with varying degrees of thoroughness. In some jurisdictions, proof of residency suffices for ballot issuance, while others mandate documentary evidence of citizenship.

Swing States in Focus

According to Baldwin, the states most at risk of manipulation are those where electoral margins are historically narrow. He specifically mentioned Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where small shifts in vote totals can decide national outcomes.

These states also share key features: high levels of urban migration, complex voter registration systems, and contested recent elections. Baldwin’s recommendation is for political parties, particularly the Republican National Committee, to comprehensively analyze voting files in these states, cross-check for non-citizen registrations, and ensure robust voter list maintenance before ballots are issued.

Historical Context on Election Vulnerabilities

Concerns about the integrity of voter rolls are not new. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), while designed to make voter registration easier, has also been criticized for inadvertently allowing outdated or inaccurate records to remain on the books. Periodically, courts have ruled on cases where states were accused either of failing to maintain rolls properly or of removing voters too aggressively, potentially disenfranchising legitimate citizens.

Baldwin’s claims echo earlier controversies over “motor voter” registrations, where individuals registering through state departments of motor vehicles sometimes bypass thorough validation checks. Critics believe that this convenience-driven process leaves openings for abuse, especially in states with expansive mail-in voting access.

Economic and Governance Implications

From an economic standpoint, contested elections can have significant ramifications. Uncertainty in electoral outcomes often impacts financial markets, investor confidence, and local economies—particularly in swing states where political control determines policy direction.

At a governance level, Baldwin’s warnings underscore the potential risks to the social contract that underpins democratic institutions. If significant portions of the electorate lose confidence in the legitimacy of elections—whether due to actual fraud or perceived vulnerabilities—public trust in government decision-making may erode. This can lead to increased polarization, lower voter turnout, and more contentious policy debates.

Public Reaction and Calls for Reform

Baldwin’s statements have prompted a mix of alarm and skepticism among the public. Election integrity advocates have amplified his concerns, calling for technological upgrades to voter registration databases, more stringent proof-of-citizenship requirements, and the auditing of NGO involvement in electoral processes. Some citizens have taken to local government meetings, pressing officials to explain how voter rolls are maintained and what safeguards exist against illegal voting.

On the other hand, voting rights groups argue that while maintenance of accurate voter rolls is vital, overly aggressive purges risk disenfranchising lawful voters—particularly minorities, the elderly, and transient populations who frequently change addresses.

Comparisons to International Practices

Globally, many democracies employ more centralized voter registration systems with stricter identity verification protocols. For example, Canada uses a national registry automatically updated with information from federal agencies, while Germany requires proof of citizenship and residence from municipal officials before voters may participate. These systems are designed to minimize fraudulent registrations without imposing excessive bureaucratic hurdles on eligible voters.

In contrast, the U.S., with its decentralized election administration, leaves much of the responsibility for voter roll accuracy to state and local governments. This patchwork approach can result in inconsistencies across jurisdictions, making nationwide reforms challenging.

Baldwin’s Recommendations for Securing Elections

To address these concerns, Baldwin has outlined a multi-pronged strategy:

• Conduct full audits of voter rolls in all swing states prior to major elections.
• Require documentary proof of citizenship for all new registrations.
• Implement standardized address verification to prevent fictitious or commercial property registrations.
• Investigate the funding sources and activities of NGOs involved in voter registration, particularly those operating near international borders.
• Develop bipartisan monitoring teams to oversee mail-in ballot distribution and collection.

While debate continues about the scope and severity of the issues Baldwin has raised, his findings have intensified discussions on election integrity ahead of the next major electoral cycle. Whether his proposals will inspire legislative changes or administrative action remains to be seen, but the urgency of the matter is clear: the credibility of American democracy depends on the trust voters place in the fairness and accuracy of its elections.