Pennsylvania Official Downplays Noncitizen Voting Threat

Al Schmidt says issue is exaggerated despite his own findings of hundreds of noncitizen registrations.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:46pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A close-up view of an old-fashioned metal ballot box sitting alone on a quiet urban sidewalk, the box's surface reflecting warm sunlight and deep shadows in a cinematic, nostalgic style.A former election official's surprising perspective on the threat of noncitizen voting casts doubt on the scale of the issue.Philadelphia Today

Al Schmidt, a former Philadelphia city commissioner who exposed hundreds of noncitizens registering and voting in the city, now says the threat of noncitizen voting is being exaggerated. Schmidt found that while hundreds of noncitizens had registered and cast ballots, the overall numbers were still very small compared to the total voter rolls.

Why it matters

Schmidt's findings reignited debates around voter fraud and election integrity, with some using the issue to push for stricter voting laws. However, Schmidt's new comments suggest the problem may not be as widespread as some have claimed, potentially complicating those policy discussions.

The details

As Philadelphia city commissioner, Al Schmidt uncovered evidence that hundreds of noncitizens had registered and voted in the city. However, he now says the overall threat is being exaggerated, as the numbers represent a tiny fraction of the total voter rolls.

  • Schmidt's findings were published in 2026.

The players

Al Schmidt

A former Philadelphia city commissioner who exposed hundreds of noncitizens registering and voting in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The threat of noncitizen voting is being exaggerated, even though my own findings showed hundreds of cases.”

— Al Schmidt, Former Philadelphia City Commissioner

The takeaway

Schmidt's comments suggest the issue of noncitizen voting, while real, may not be as widespread as some have claimed, potentially complicating policy debates around voter fraud and election integrity.