Former President Donald Trump, referring to voting practices in countries such as India and Brazil, has signed an executive order to overhaul the US election system. He referred to the fact that these nations combine voter identification with biometric databases, while the US relies mostly on self-attestation of citizenship.Trump’s executive order claims that as a great democratic leader, the US is now “no longer enforcing basic and vital election protections” that are practiced by developed and developing countries. Trump underscored the importance of having elections “free, fair, and honest,” free from fraud, mistakes, or doubt, which he defined as vital to keeping the constitutional republic.
The order states that the state governments are constitutionally responsible for ensuring American elections are safe while remaining under federal laws that aim to preserve voting rights, avoid fraud, illegal voting, and other voting irregularities. Trump blamed the US for failing to adequately enforce federal election rules, including the prohibition of the counting of votes cast after Election Day and prohibiting non-citizens from voter registration.
Principal Changes Enacted
Voter Citizenship Verification: The executive order requires documentary evidence of citizenship from citizens when registering to vote. The document type, date of issue, and date of expiration will be documented to validate the authenticity.
Coordination with States and the Federal Government: Access to federal databases will be made available to states in order to check voter citizenship. The Department of Justice will aid in examining voter registration rolls for federal conformity.
Prosecution of Non-Citizen Voting: The directive emphasizes the enforcement of laws prohibiting non-citizens from voting or registering in federal elections. State attorney generals will work together to address illegal voting by non-citizens.
Maintenance of Voter Registration Lists: States must ensure voter registration lists remain current and accurate, as is required under the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
Improving Eligibility Verification: Federal databases such as the Social Security Number Verification and Death Master File will be made available to states for the verification of voter eligibility. The secretary of defense will also modify the Federal Post Card Application to ask for proof of citizenship to establish state voting eligibility.
Election Assistance Commission Reforms: Non-compliant states that do not enforce federal election laws—like those that mandate proof of citizenship—will lose federal funding. Also, voluntary voting system standards will be revised to reduce fraud and errors.
Prosecution of Election Crimes: The attorney general will make it a priority to prosecute election crimes, fraudulent registrations, and voter fraud. States are encouraged to report suspected violations for greater enforcement.
Improving Voting System Security: The order bars non-citizens from taking part in the conduct of federal elections, such as managing election devices or ballots. It also demands a security audit of electronic voting systems, especially those that are internet-connected, to avoid unauthorized access or cyber attacks.
Election Day Compliance: States will have to meet the federal Election Day deadline, which forbids counting ballots that arrive after that date. Compliance with this provision will be a condition of receiving federal funds.
Stopping Foreign Interference: The order enforces measures to prevent foreign interference in US elections. It prohibits foreign nationals from interfering with elections by way of financial donations or otherwise. The attorney general will coordinate law enforcement efforts to stem foreign influence.
Trump’s executive order aims to strengthen election security, impose stronger voter verification standards, and remove loopholes that could result in voter fraud or foreign interference.
