On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump enacted a significant executive order aimed at reforming voting processes in the country. The directive mandates that voters provide proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections and ensures that all ballots must be submitted by Election Day, opposing current practices in several states that allow late arrivals if postmarked by the deadline.
In the order, Trump asserted that the US has inadequately enforced essential election protections. He urged states to collaborate with federal agencies on sharing voter data and prosecuting electoral fraud. Notably, non-compliance with these directives may lead to the withdrawal of federal funds from the respective states.
This executive action reflects Trump’s longstanding critique of the electoral system, accusing it of misuse, especially since his defeat in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, which he has attributed to alleged widespread fraud. Although he has expressed concerns over mail-in voting, he has acknowledged its popularity among voters, including many Republicans. While instances of voter fraud do occur, they are infrequent and typically addressed through law enforcement.
The requirement for documentary proof of citizenship signifies that Trump is bypassing Congress, which has been slow to advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act aimed at similar reforms. Critics, including voting rights advocates, warn that this requirement could disenfranchise millions—an estimated 21.3 million eligible citizens lack readily available proof of citizenship, according to a 2023 Brennan Center report. Additionally, complications may arise for married women whose identification may not match their registered names due to name changes.
Trump’s order instructs various federal departments to assist state election officials in identifying non-citizens within voter rolls, while the attorney general is directed to enforce election integrity laws in non-compliant states. The anticipated legal challenges stem from states’ constitutional authority over their voting procedures, an aspect emphasised by multiple state officials expressing opposition to Trump’s order, viewing it as an overreach of federal power.
Despite pushback, some Republican leaders, including Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, praised the order as a step towards reinforcing election integrity. Congressional Republicans, such as Wisconsin’s Bryan Steil, argue that this move is essential for securing elections against foreign interference.
On signing the order, Trump reiterated his commitment to combating perceived electoral fraud and hinted at further actions to be announced in the near future. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee has commenced a nationwide investigation into voter registration processes, reinforcing their stance on ensuring election integrity.