45°
Trump has repeatedly said that widespread voter fraud kept him from winning the popular vote in November's election. He first brought up the topic in late November, and this week told a group of Congressional leaders that he believes 3-5 million people voted illegally, according to CNN.
Neither Trump nor members of his administration have produced evidence to support their assertions that millions of people voted illegally.
On Wednesday morning Trump tweeted, "I will be asking for a major investigation into VOTER FRAUD, including those registered to vote in two states, those who are illegal and even, those registered to vote who are dead (and many for a long time). Depending on results, we will strengthen up voting procedures!"
Merrill released a statement Wednesday taking aim at Trump's comments.
“Our democracy is the most transparent in the world. Our voter rolls are public information and elections officials are honorable public servants who carry out their tasks in an open and accessible manner," Merrill said. "To claim, without a shred of evidence, that millions of ‘illegal votes’ were cast does nothing but undermine people’s confidence in democracy."
"Working to undercut the public’s faith in a free and fair vote is beyond irresponsible, it is frankly un-American," Merrill continued. "What’s worse, I fear that these lies are being stated in order to lay the groundwork for a draconian assault on voting rights. I sincerely hope I am proven wrong.”
Trump gave an interview to ABC News Wednesday night where he again said that there was "a lot to look into" regarding voter fraud, specifically mentioning people who are registered to vote in two states.
Several news organizations such as the Washington Post have reported that members of Trump's own administration and family are registered to vote in more than one state, including his daughter Tiffany, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, chief White House strategist Steve Bannon and White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
While it is illegal to vote in more than one state, it is not against the law to be on the electoral roll in two states.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stratford and receive free news updates.
