President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring people to provide proof of American citizenship when they register to vote and demanding that all ballots be reviewed by Election Day. The order also requires government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms, allows the attorney general to enter into information-sharing agreements with state election officials to identify election fraud, and conditions federal election-related funds on states complying with federal election integrity measures. Trump stated that more steps will be taken in the coming weeks to ensure fair elections, claiming that the U.S. has failed to enforce necessary election protections.
Blue state’s top court has struck down a law allowing noncitizens to vote, leading to criticism from election experts who argue that the executive order could disenfranchise millions of voters. The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University stated that the order would block tens of millions of American citizens from voting and that presidents do not have the authority to do so. The SAVE Act, a bill pushed by Republicans that would require voters to present documents proving U.S. citizenship, is also being considered. Proof of citizenship includes a U.S. passport, REAL ID, or military, state, or federally-issued identification indicating American citizenship.
The executive order aims to ensure free, fair, and honest elections by preventing fraud, errors, or suspicion. Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining a constitutional Republic and criticized the United States for not adequately enforcing federal election requirements, such as prohibiting the counting of ballots received after Election Day and non-citizens from registering to vote. Under the terms of the order, the Election Assistance Commission will change the federal voter registration form to require government-issued proof of citizenship and bar states from counting mail ballots received after Election Day.
Election experts immediately criticized the executive order, arguing that it would disenfranchise millions of voters and suppress the vote. They emphasized that presidents do not have the authority to block American citizens from voting and expressed concerns that the order would hurt voters. The SAVE Act, which requires voters to provide documents proving U.S. citizenship, is seen as another potential barrier to voting. The order’s requirement for proof of citizenship, including a U.S. passport, REAL ID, or other identification indicating American citizenship, is part of efforts to improve election integrity.
The executive order is aimed at ensuring fair elections by preventing fraud and errors while upholding the constitutional rights of American citizens. Trump signed the order with the goal of ending election fraud and ensuring that elections are conducted in a transparent and honest manner. The order directs federal agencies to work with state election officials to identify cases of election fraud and enforce federal election requirements. The order also seeks to amend the federal voter registration form to include a requirement for proof of citizenship and prohibits states from counting mail ballots received after Election Day.
Overall, the executive order signed by President Donald Trump aims to improve election integrity by requiring proof of American citizenship for voter registration and ensuring that ballots are reviewed by Election Day. However, the order has faced criticism from election experts who argue that it could disenfranchise millions of voters and suppress the vote. The SAVE Act, a bill that would require voters to provide documents proving U.S. citizenship, is also being considered, raising concerns about potential barriers to voting. Despite these criticisms, the order is seen as a step towards ensuring free, fair, and honest elections in the United States.
