Trump Mandates Proof of Citizenship for Voting, Sparks Controversy

US President Donald Trump signed a major executive order on Tuesday to change US election rules. The order requires proof of citizenship to register for federal elections. Additionally, it mandates that all ballots must be received by Election Day.

Federal and State Coordination

The order claims the U.S. has failed “to enforce basic and necessary election protections.” Therefore, it directs states to collaborate with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes. Moreover, states that refuse to comply risk losing federal funding.

Potential Legal Challenges

Since states control their own election rules, this order is expected to face legal battles. Trump has frequently alleged election fraud, even before results are announced. He has also opposed certain voting methods since losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, blaming it on widespread fraud.

Focus on Mail Voting

Trump has consistently criticized mail-in voting. Although he now acknowledges its popularity among voters, including Republicans, he still claims it increases fraud. However, experts argue that while fraud exists, it is rare and gets prosecuted when detected.

The executive order enforces a documentary proof of citizenship to vote. This move signals Trump’s impatience with Congress, which has yet to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

Concerns About Voter Disenfranchisement

Republicans support the rule, arguing it restores confidence in elections. However, voting rights groups fear it could disenfranchise many citizens. According to a 2023 Brennan Center report, 9% of voting-age citizens, or about 21.3 million people, lack immediate access to proof of citizenship. Additionally, married women who changed their names may face registration issues. Such problems have already occurred in New Hampshire due to a similar law.

Federal Agencies’ Role

The order directs agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, and the State Department to help election officials verify voter eligibility. Furthermore, it instructs the Attorney General to prioritize enforcement of federal election laws, especially in states that refuse to share information on election crimes.

Stricter Ballot Deadlines

The order requires ballots to be “cast and received” by Election Day. It also ties federal funding to state compliance. Currently, 18 states and Puerto Rico accept ballots arriving after Election Day if postmarked on time. This order seeks to end that practice.

Constitutional and Political Reactions

Legal experts point out that the Constitution grants states primary authority over elections. While Congress has regulated voting through laws like the Voting Rights Act, states still control election procedures.

Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold called the order an “unlawful” federal overreach. She accused Trump of making it harder for voters to fight back at the ballot box. Similarly, Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle called the order “immoral and illegal.”

Expected Legal Battles

Democratic attorney Marc Elias has already threatened legal action. “This will not stand. We will sue,” he wrote on social media. Experts believe courts will ultimately decide the order’s fate.

Federal Oversight on Voting Systems

Trump’s order directs the Election Assistance Commission to update voting system guidelines. It recommends eliminating ballots with barcodes or QR codes in vote counting. Additionally, it conditions federal funding on adopting these new guidelines.

Many states, including Georgia, use touchscreen voting machines that print ballots with a QR code for scanning. It remains unclear how this order will impact such systems. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, however, welcomed the move, calling it a “great first step for election integrity reform nationwide.”

Republican Support and Election Monitoring

Republican Rep. Bryan Steil praised the order as a step to secure elections and prevent foreign interference. Meanwhile, Trump ally Mike Lindell used the order to raise funds, claiming it would fix “sick elections.”

The Republican National Committee has launched a nationwide effort to monitor voter registration lists. This week, it sent public records requests to 48 states and Washington, D.C., asking for information on voter roll maintenance. The committee wants transparency on how states remove ineligible voters, including deceased individuals and non-citizens.

Trump’s Final Statement

As Trump signed the order, he referenced election fraud concerns. “This will end it, hopefully,” he declared. He also hinted that more election-related actions would follow soon.