Key Takeaways:

• Trump wants an executive order for strict voter ID reform, paper ballots only, and bans most mail-in voting.
• Election official Stephen Richer notes paper ballots are already used by 97% of voters.
• Richer says ID rules vary by state, and an executive order can’t override state election laws.
• Experts warn the plan would face big legal, logistical, and civil-liberty hurdles.

Trump’s Voter ID Reform Plan Explained

Late on Saturday, former President Trump posted his new voting plan on Truth Social. He wants an executive order that forces every voter to show ID. Also, he calls to stop mail-in voting for almost everyone. Only the very ill and military far from home would get exceptions. Finally, he demands paper ballots only.

The Voter ID Reform Debate

First, Trump’s call for voter ID reform focuses on showing proof every time. He wrote, “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS!” Next, he added, “No Mail-In Voting, Except For Those That Are Very Ill, And The Far Away Military. USE PAPER BALLOTS ONLY!”

However, Stephen Richer, who ran elections in Arizona’s largest county, disagrees. On Sunday, he took to X to explain why Trump’s voter ID reform idea falls short. Richer said paper ballots are already the norm. Then he highlighted how ID rules differ by state. Finally, he noted that banning mail-in voting by executive order is almost certainly unlawful.

Why Voter ID Reform May Not Work

Most states already ask for some ID to vote. Yet the type of ID varies. For example, some require a photo ID. Others accept a signature. This matters for Native tribes and low-income folks. Also, issuing a new national ID could raise civil-liberty alarms. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all rule would spark protests and lawsuits.

Moreover, an executive order can’t rewrite state election laws. Historically, states control their own voting rules. If Trump tried to force a ban on mail ballots, many states would fight back. In fact, Richer warns a court fight would drag on for months.

The Paper Ballots Debate

Trump’s push for paper ballots only seems odd. In truth, about 97% of American voters already use them. Paper ballots give a clear, unchangeable trail. For example, if a tally machine fails, officials can hand-count. Also, paper fights hacking fears and machine errors.

Nevertheless, Trump’s statement suggests he thinks many votes go digital. But that view is outdated. Richer points out the high-water mark for paper use is the highest in twenty years. In short, insisting on paper ballots only changes little, since almost every state relies on them.

Mail-In Voting Limits

Trump also wants to ban mail-in voting, except for the very ill and distant military. Yet federal law protects military and overseas ballots. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act lets them vote by mail or online starting 45 days before an election. Cutting that right would break federal law.

Plus, defining “very ill” or “far away” creates a nightmare. Would you need a doctor’s note to vote? What counts as “far away”? For example, college students, travelers, or the elderly who can’t drive would lose their vote. In addition, states without strong mail-in systems would have to rebuild in-person voting spots.

Legal and Administrative Roadblocks

An executive order on voting reform would probably fail in court. Congress could not enforce a nationwide mail ban without rewriting decades of election law. Yet most election laws sit with states, not the federal government. Therefore, the shift would spark numerous legal battles.

Also, rebuilding voting systems in states like Washington or Colorado would cost millions. These states rely on mail-in voting for most ballots. Finally, civil-liberty groups would challenge any new ID requirement that repeats old barriers. Trump’s plan seems set to stall under legal pressure.

What Comes Next for Voting Reform

Stephen Richer offered to appear on Newsmax to explain reality on the ground. He wants to show why an executive order on voter ID reform is almost certain to be ruled unlawful. Meanwhile, Trump may push Congress to draft new laws. Yet such bills need wide support in both chambers.

In addition, some states already debate voter ID changes. They hold public hearings and mind civil-liberty concerns. Overall, any serious voter ID reform must balance security with access. Otherwise, it risks blocking valid voters and causing chaos.

In the end, Trump’s new plan shines a light on key voting issues. However, its practical impact remains doubtful. Courts, states, and voters will all play a role in deciding the future of voting in America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trump’s voter ID reform proposal?

He wants an executive order that mandates ID for every vote, bans most mail ballots, and uses only paper ballots.

Why do experts say the plan is unlawful?

Because states control election laws, and federal executive orders can’t rewrite those rules without Congress.

Do most U.S. voters already use paper ballots?

Yes. Roughly 97% of American voters cast paper ballots, giving an audit trail for every vote.

Who would still get mail-in voting under this plan?

Only people deemed “very ill” and military members far from home would be allowed to vote by mail.