Donald Trump signs executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voting

Trump Executive Order for Election Voting: US President Donald Trump signed an expansive executive order Tuesday that seeks to overhaul US election procedures, including a new requirement for voters to provide proof of citizenship when regering for federal elections. The order also mandates that all ballots must be received Election Day.The executive action claims that the US has failed to “enforce basic and necessary election protections,” and calls on states to collaborate with federal agencies to share voter ls and prosecute election-related crimes. States that do not comply may face the loss of federal funding.
Trump’s order comes after years of criticizing US election systems. He frequently alleged, without evidence, that elections were rigged, particularly during the 2020 election in which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. These claims were repeatedly debunked, and his legal efforts to overturn the election failed in court.
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While instances of voter fraud are rare and typically prosecuted, Trump has continued to argue that election processes, especially mail-in voting, are vulnerable to manipulation. His latest executive order reflects his long-standing push to tighten voting regulations.
Proof of citizenship requirement
One of the order’s central provisions is the requirement for voters to present documentary proof of citizenship when regering for federal elections. This echoes a legislative effort Republicans, who have introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which similarly aims to ensure that only US citizens vote in federal elections.
Republican supporters of the measure argue that stricter rules are necessary to restore public trust in elections. Voting noncitizens in federal elections is already illegal, and violations can result in felony charges and deportation. Nevertheless, Trump and his allies claim that additional measures are needed to protect the integrity of the process.
Critics of the proof of citizenship requirement argue that it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. According to a 2023 report the Brennan Center for Justice, an estimated 21.3 million US citizens of voting age — approximately 9% — lack immediate access to the required documents. Some groups are concerned that women who have changed their names due to marriage may also face difficulties due to mismatches between their birth certificates and other forms of identification, as has been seen in recent elections in New Hampshire.
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The executive order directs several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Adminration, and State Department, to share data with state election officials to help identify noncitizens on voter rolls. It also tasks the US Attorney General with prioritizing the enforcement of federal election integrity laws, particularly in states that refuse to share information on suspected election crimes.
Under current law, states largely control their own election procedures, as outlined in the Constitution. While Congress has the authority to regulate aspects of voting through federal legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act, the power to determine the “times, places, and manner” of elections remains with the states. Legal experts suggest that Trump’s order may face significant challenges on constitutional grounds.

Jena Griswold, the Democratic Secretary of State of Colorado, condemned the order, calling it an “unlawful” weaponization of federal powers. She added that Trump is attempting to make it harder for voters to “fight back at the ballot box.” Democratic Representative Joe Morelle of New York, who serves as the ranking member of the House committee overseeing elections, called the executive action both “misguided” and “illegal.”
Prominent Democratic attorney Marc Elias, who has frequently clashed with Trump over election-related lawsuits, quickly signaled his intention to challenge the order in court, stating, “This will not stand. We will sue.”
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Another key provision of Trump’s executive order calls for all ballots to be “cast and received” Election Day. Currently, 18 states and Puerto Rico allow mail-in ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day and received within a certain period thereafter. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that these rules vary state, and legal challenges are likely to arise as the federal government seeks to impose stricter guidelines.
Trump’s executive order also tasks the US Election Assance Commission (EAC) with updating its voting system guidelines to prevent fraud. Among the suggested reforms is a ban on the use of barcodes or QR codes in vote counting. Voting machines in states like Georgia currently use QR codes to record votes electronically, but some have raised concerns that these codes are not transparent or easily auditable voters.
Political response to the order
While Republicans largely support Trump’s executive order, Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates have raised alarms. They argue that the move is part of a broader effort to suppress votes, particularly in communities of colour and among marginalized groups. Legal experts expect a flurry of lawsuits to be filed challenging the executive action.
Trump’s ally Mike Lindell, a vocal proponent of election conspiracy theories, celebrated the executive order, claiming it would “fix our sick elections.” Lindell, who has advocated for replacing voting machines with hand-counted paper ballots, used the announcement as a fundraising opportunity.Story continues below this ad
As Trump signed the order Tuesday, he again referenced allegations of widespread election fraud, saying, “This will end it, hopefully.” He added that more election-related actions would be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
The executive order marks the latest development in Trump’s ongoing campaign to overhaul US election systems, a fight that will almost certainly be decided in the courts.
(With inputs from Agencies)