In a recent display of loyalty to former President Donald Trump, Republican Congressman Mike Johnson announced a proposal for "election integrity," raising concerns about the perpetuation of baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. Johnson made the announcement during a visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, where many Republicans flock in the hopes of gaining favor with the former president.

Despite numerous court rulings, audits, and investigations that have debunked claims of election fraud after the 2020 presidential election, Trump continues to promote his unfounded narrative. Polls indicate that even now, two-thirds of Republicans still believe in the false notion that the election was stolen.

Johnson's proposal focuses on making it illegal for non-citizens, particularly undocumented immigrants, to vote. He claimed that "potentially hundreds of thousands of votes" could have been cast by migrants in the November election. However, there is no evidence to support such a claim.

Analysis from reputable sources such as the Heritage Foundation and the Brennan Center for Justice reveals that confirmed cases of non-citizens voting are extremely rare. The Heritage Foundation's database lists less than 100 instances of non-citizen voting between 2002 and 2022, out of over a billion lawfully cast ballots. Similarly, the Brennan Center's analysis of over 23 million votes from the 2016 election found just 30 estimated examples of non-citizen voting.

Critics argue that Johnson's proposed legislation is merely a political maneuver to cater to the baseless fears and prejudices of Trump's supporters. Some assert that it aligns with the "great replacement" conspiracy theory, which suggests that immigration from predominantly non-white countries aims to displace native-born white Americans and establish a permanent Democratic majority.

While Democrats may be tempted to let this redundant proposal pass, in the hopes that it would undermine Trump's false claims if he were to lose another election, experts caution against falling into that trap. False narratives about election fraud can undermine faith in the democratic process and exacerbate societal divisions.

Despite the lack of evidence and widespread debunking of claims of election fraud, Trump and his allies remain committed to perpetuating the Big Lie. Johnson's alliance with Trump on this issue raises concerns about the future of the Republican Party and its dedication to democratic principles.

As the 2022 midterm elections approach, the debate over election integrity will undoubtedly continue. It remains to be seen how politicians, both within and outside the Republican Party, will respond to these false claims and their potential consequences for the democratic process.