Trump Orders Election Overhaul: Proof of Citizenship Now Required for Voters
Controversial executive order faces legal challenges as critics warn of voter disenfranchisement
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reshaping federal elections, introducing stringent measures such as requiring proof of citizenship to vote and restricting states from accepting mail-in ballots after Election Day.
The order, titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” was signed at the White House on Tuesday. Trump framed it as a move to curb election fraud, stating, “Election fraud. You’ve heard the term. We’re going to end it, hopefully. At least this will go a long way toward ending it.”
However, legal experts warn the order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who lack easy access to passports or other documentation. While non-citizens are already prohibited from voting under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, the new directive would compel states to enforce stricter ID requirements or risk losing federal funding.
Additionally, the order seeks to block states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day—a practice currently allowed in 18 states, provided the ballots were mailed on time.
The enforceability of the order is uncertain, as states maintain broad authority over election administration. Legal challenges are expected, with critics arguing the order oversteps presidential power.
Election law experts have raised concerns over its legality, with UCLA law professor Rick Hasen warning that “if allowed to stand, the order would radically shift power to the federal government.”
Trump has long promoted unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, including assertions that millions of illegal immigrants voted in his 2016 election. His previous attempts to impose voter ID laws through Congress have failed.
With legal battles looming, the fate of Trump’s latest election overhaul remains uncertain.
