ISLAMABAD (PEN) : President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring voters to prove their citizenship before casting ballots, a move that is expected to intensify partisan divisions and spark legal challenges. The order also includes provisions aimed at limiting the use of mail-in ballots and could withhold federal funds from states that do not comply with the new guidelines.
Key Provisions of the Order
The executive order mandates that voters must answer a citizenship question on the federal voting form for the first time. The Department of Homeland Security will also be required to provide states access to systems that verify the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote. Furthermore, the order grants federal officials the authority to subpoena voter registration lists to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Trump, during the signing ceremony at the White House, expressed his belief that these measures were essential for fixing the country’s election system. “We’ve got to straighten out our elections. This country is so sick because of the elections, the fake elections and the bad elections. We’re going to straighten that out one way or the other,” he stated.
Increased Scrutiny on Voter Registration
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has already initiated efforts to review voter registration records across 48 states and Washington, DC. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley emphasized the need for transparency and accuracy in voter rolls. “Voters have a right to know that their states are properly maintaining voter rolls and quickly acting to clean voter registration lists by removing ineligible voters,” he said.
Criticism and Legal Concerns
The order has drawn strong criticism from voting rights groups and civil liberties organizations, who argue that it could suppress voter turnout, especially among marginalized communities. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, called the move a “blatant attack on democracy and an authoritarian power grab.”
Research from the Brennan Center for Justice highlights that approximately 21.3 million eligible voters, or 9 percent of the U.S. voting population, do not have easily accessible proof of citizenship. Furthermore, around 146 million Americans lack a passport, which could create challenges in meeting the new requirements.
The executive order also targets states that allow mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted. This practice, which is in place in 18 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC, would be prohibited under the new directive.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Legal experts predict that the order will face numerous lawsuits, particularly on the grounds that it may violate the 14th and 15th Amendments, which ensure equal protection under the law and prohibit racial discrimination in voting.
This executive order follows years of Republican efforts to tighten voting regulations, fueled by concerns over election security. Trump and his allies continue to assert that non-citizens are participating in U.S. elections, despite multiple investigations finding no evidence of widespread fraud. Democrats, on the other hand, have championed expanded access to voting, particularly through mail-in and early voting, and are expected to challenge the order both in court and in Congress.
As the 2024 election approaches, this new order is likely to become a major point of contention, further heightening tensions over voting rights in the U.S.
