Trump Signs Order Tightening Voter Requirements Amid Legal Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s executive order aims to change voter registration rules without Congress.
• The order targets noncitizen voting and sharing voter data.
• States might lose funding if they count late mail-in ballots.
• Proof of citizenship, like passports, may be required to vote.
• Legal experts say the order may be illegal and conflict with federal laws.

Trump’s New Order Sparks Debate Over Voting Rights

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that could change how Americans vote. This order bypasses Congress and aims to tighten voting rules, but many say it’s illegal and unfair.

The order takes ideas from a Republican-backed bill called the SAVE Act. While this bill might pass in the House, it’s unclear if it will survive in the Senate. However, Trump is trying to implement parts of it without Congress’s approval. Legal experts warn that Trump doesn’t have the power to make these changes, which could clash with existing federal voting laws.

What Does the Order Do?

1. Proof of Citizenship Required The order tells the Election Assistance Commission to update federal voter registration forms. Voters would need to show proof of citizenship, like a passport or a REAL ID, to local or state officials. However, experts say Trump can’t force the commission to make these changes.
2. States Must Clean Voter Rolls The order demands that states remove noncitizens from voter lists and share data to prosecute election crimes. States have always managed their elections as long as they meet federal standards.
3. Access to Voter Rolls The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will now have access to state voter rolls. Federal agencies must also share data, like immigration and Social Security records, to help states check voter eligibility.
4. Risks of Inaccurate Data Voting rights advocates worry that outdated databases could lead to errors. Past efforts to remove noncitizens from voter rolls have accidentally targeted eligible U.S. citizens.
5. Threat to Funding The order threatens to withhold funding from states that count mail or absentee ballots received after Election Day.

Concerns About Legality

Sean Morales-Doyle, a voting rights expert, calls the order “illegal at many different levels.” He argues that Trump doesn’t have the authority to make these changes. Many believe the order could violate federal voting laws and unfairly restrict voting rights.

Impact on Voters

The order limits the ways to prove U.S. citizenship. Accepted documents include passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, and government photo IDs that show citizenship. It’s unclear if birth certificates would count. This could make it harder for some citizens to vote, especially those without the required documents.

What’s Next?

The future of this order is uncertain. Legal challenges are likely, as many believe it oversteps Trump’s authority. States may also resist the changes, especially if they disagree with the order or find it difficult to enforce.

A Growing Debate

This order adds fuel to the ongoing debate over voting rights in America. Supporters say it protects election integrity by preventing noncitizens from voting. Critics argue it’s a thinly veiled attempt to restrict voting rights and disproportionately affect certain groups.

As the country waits to see how this order will be enforced, one thing is clear: it’s a controversial move that could have big consequences for voters and elections.