Watchdog Warns Foreign Money, Noncitizen Voting Could Undermine Election Integrity Ahead Of 2026 Midterms

The Honest Elections Project (HEP) has issued a detailed warning about vulnerabilities in U.S. election systems that it says could affect the integrity of the 2026 midterms. In a report first shared with Fox News Digital, HEP identifies 14 key weaknesses — including the influence of foreign-linked funding on ballot measures and the expansion of noncitizen voting in some local jurisdictions.

Foreign Funding And Ballot Measures

HEP says hundreds of millions of dollars with foreign ties have helped shape ballot measures in 26 states. While federal law bans foreign nationals from donating to candidate campaigns, the group argues a loophole allows foreign money to flow into ballot initiative campaigns — which can change state constitutions and election laws. HEP describes such activity as a "Trojan Horse for foreign influence," and specifically flags concerns about funding tied to adversarial states.

A voting sign outside city hall for New York's 3rd Congressional District special election in Glen Cove, N.Y., Feb. 4, 2024.

To address this, HEP proposes the Prohibiting Foreign Funding From Ballot Measures Act, which would bar direct and indirect foreign contributions to ballot campaigns (including donations routed through intermediary nonprofits), require certification that committees contain no foreign funding, and impose strict penalties for violations.

Noncitizen Voting And Citizenship Proof

The report also warns of a "growing number" of local governments that have moved toward allowing noncitizen or undocumented residents to participate in certain local elections. HEP contends that broad constitutional language in some states — such as references to "any" or "every" citizen in voting clauses — has been interpreted by some activists in ways that could permit local noncitizen enfranchisement.

President Donald Trump speaks to guests as he visits the Machine Shed restaurant Jan. 27, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa.

HEP highlights another concern: the National Mail Voter Registration Form currently allows individuals to attest to U.S. citizenship by checking a box. The group argues this creates an avenue for dishonest registrants to abuse the system.

To respond, HEP recommends that states adopt explicit citizen-only language in their constitutions (noting similar provisions were overwhelmingly approved in 15 states) and enact a Documentary Proof Of Citizenship Act requiring documentary evidence of citizenship to register and vote in state and local elections. The proposed law would also make it a criminal offense for noncitizens to apply to register or for officials to register voters without required proof, which HEP says aligns with federal law.

Additional Model Legislation

Beyond those measures, HEP offers five more model bills aimed at strengthening election administration: the Interstate Voter Assistance Act, the Never Resided Act, the Procedural Election Audits Act, the Uniform Election Dates Act, and legislation to prohibit election-administration entities from accepting private donations or in-kind support that could influence results.

Jason Snead, Executive Director of Honest Elections Project, said, 'Many states have made tremendous strides in making it easy to vote and hard to cheat in recent years, but there is still more work to be done. State lawmakers have one last opportunity to shore up their election laws ahead of the extremely important 2026 midterms.'

HEP frames its report and model bills as a legislative roadmap for state lawmakers to reduce vulnerabilities, increase transparency, and restore public confidence in election outcomes.

What Officials Can Do Next

• Consider legislation to bar foreign funding of ballot initiatives and increase donor transparency.
• Clarify state constitutional language to explicitly limit voting to citizens, where desired by voters and legislatures.
• Require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration in state and local elections, while ensuring processes protect eligible voters and comply with federal law.
• Adopt audit, date-uniformity, and residency verification measures to strengthen election administration.