US Vice President JD Vance has come under fire after suggesting that “dead people vote Democrat,” reviving conspiracy theories surrounding voter fraud that have repeatedly been disputed by investigations and research reports.
Vance made the remarks during a visit to Maine on Thursday, where he talked about the Trump administration’s efforts to tackle alleged election fraud ahead of the state’s upcoming primary races, according to The Mirror US. His appearance was reportedly focused on fraud-fighting efforts rather than the economic messaging he has emphasized in previous campaign-style events.
The comments sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the vice president of promoting long-debunked narratives linked to the 2020 presidential election.
“This is why MAGA believes these conspiracy theories, because their leadership keeps feeding them,” one user wrote on X.
Also Read: Pentagon’s picture of Iran war a ‘rosy one’? JD Vance concerned Trump not getting full brief: Report
Claims tied to 2020 election have been challenged
The remarks echo allegations repeatedly pushed by President Donald Trump and several Republican allies after the 2020 election. Trump had claimed that thousands of ballots were cast in the names of deceased voters in Georgia, a key swing state he narrowly lost.
However, investigations, audits, and court reviews conducted after the election failed to uncover evidence of widespread voter fraud capable of altering the outcome. A 2023 research report referenced by The Mirror US also contradicted claims that systemic fraud cost Trump the presidency.
Despite that, Republican leaders have continued raising concerns over election integrity, including allegations involving noncitizen voting and fraudulent voter registrations.
Also Read: Why was JD Vance evacuated before Trump during WHCD shooting? POTUS explains what happened, ‘I wanted to see…’
Maine stop comes amid high-stakes political races
Vance’s visit comes as Maine voters prepare for the June 9 primary elections, where candidates for governor, the US Senate, and the House of Representatives will be selected.
The trip also followed comments by Mehmet Oz, who earlier this year called for corrective action over alleged fraud in Maine’s government health programs.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills reportedly dismissed those accusations as a “political attack.”
