Legal challenges anticipated as the federal government aims to nationalize voter eligibility verification.
USA Today
President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at creating a national list of verified eligible voters, a move that is expected to face significant legal challenges. The order mandates that the Department of Homeland Security collaborate with the Social Security Administration to compile this list. Additionally, it restricts the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to anyone not on the approved list.
Critics argue that this initiative infringes on states' rights to manage their own elections and may be unconstitutional, as the president lacks authority over state election processes. Legal experts, including prominent election-law attorney Marc Elias, have indicated that they will challenge the order in court, asserting that it represents an overreach of executive power.
The implications of this order could disrupt ongoing midterm primary elections and further polarize the already contentious debate over voting rights in the U.S.
**Sources:** Public Broadcasting Service, TRT World, USA Today.
Trump signs executive order imposing new nationwide restrictions on mail-in voting.
denver7
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at imposing new restrictions on mail-in voting across the United States. The order grants the U.S. Postal Service significant oversight over mail-in ballots, requiring states to submit lists of eligible voters 60 days before federal elections. It mandates the creation of unique ballot envelope identifiers, such as bar codes, to ensure that only approved voters receive and return ballots.
Additionally, the order directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile a list of adult citizens in each state using federal databases. Trump framed the order as a measure to ensure voter integrity, claiming that mail-in voting is associated with widespread fraud. However, legal experts and state officials have indicated that the order is likely to face immediate legal challenges.
Critics argue that the president lacks the constitutional authority to dictate election procedures, which are traditionally managed by states. The order threatens to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply with its requirements. Many state election officials have expressed concerns that the order would disrupt their operations and disenfranchise voters. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the order a "disgusting overreach" and vowed to fight it in court.
Experts have noted that the Postal Service is an independent agency and not directly controlled by the president. The executive order is seen as part of Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape voting laws in response to his claims about the 2020 election. Previous executive orders related to voting have faced significant legal hurdles and have been blocked in court.
The order does not address other aspects of Trump's election agenda, such as voter ID requirements. State officials from various regions, including California and Wisconsin, have pledged to challenge the order legally. As midterm elections approach, the executive order is expected to complicate the administration of elections.
**Sources:** CBS News, Denver7, Los Angeles Times, NBC News, The Associated Press, WRAL-TV.