Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to change the rules for voting. Trump signs new changes will make elections fair and honest, he says. However, some experts warn that the new rules could remove millions of people from voter lists. The order introduces new requirements for proving citizenship and changes how mail-in ballots are counted. This move is part of Trump’s long-standing effort to fight what he calls election fraud.
Proof of Citizenship Now Required to Register and Vote
The order requires that all voters show proof of U.S. citizenship before they can register to vote in federal elections. Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport. The government will work with state and local officials to verify this information. Election officials must receive ballots by Election Day to count them. Trump signs new executive orders often, and this one also includes a citizenship question on federal voter registration forms. Critics argue that millions of U.S. citizens do not have these documents readily available, which could make it harder for them to vote.
Mail-In Ballots Must Arrive by Election Day to Count
Under this new order, election officials must reject postmarked mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. States must receive all ballots by Election Day to count them. Many states currently count ballots if they are postmarked by Election Day. Trump signs new requirements for election security and argues that this change will improve the process. However, voting rights advocates warn that it may prevent many legal votes from counting. The order also restricts electronic ballots and forces states to share voter lists with federal agencies.
Millions Could Lose the Right to Vote Under the New Order
Voting rights groups are concerned about the impact of these new rules. Studies show that about 21.3 million Americans do not have proof of citizenship readily available. This could make it difficult or even impossible for them to vote. Married women who have changed their last names may also face challenges if their birth certificates do not match their current names. Some states, such as New Hampshire, have already experienced voter registration problems due to similar rules.
States Must Comply or Lose Federal Funding for Elections
The order also includes financial penalties for states that do not comply. If election officials do not follow these new rules, their states could lose federal funding. Trump signs new financial measures to argue that the U.S. has failed to enforce basic election security measures in the past. This order is meant to change that. However, legal experts say that states have the primary authority to set their own election rules. This could lead to court challenges over whether the federal government has the power to enforce these changes.
Trump Has Long Claimed That Elections Are Not Secure
Trump has often claimed that election fraud is a major issue in the U.S. He has repeatedly said that the 2020 election was unfair, blaming mail-in ballots for his loss to Joe Biden. He argues that mail-in voting is insecure and makes fraud easier. This new executive order reflects his continued push for stricter voting rules. Republicans have also been working on a law called the SAVE Act, which has similar goals. However, voting in federal elections by noncitizens is already illegal and can result in felony charges.
Executive Order May Face Legal Challenges from States
Some legal experts believe the order will be challenged in court. The Constitution gives Congress some power to regulate voting, but states have the main authority. While Trump’s order calls for federal agencies to help enforce election laws, it may face opposition from states that do not want to change their rules. The Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, and State Department will check voter rolls for noncitizens. The attorney general must prioritize election law enforcement.
Trump Wants New Rules for Voting Machines to Prevent Fraud
The order also focuses on how votes are counted. Trump wants voting machines to stop using barcodes or QR codes to count votes. Many states, including Georgia, use machines that print ballots with QR codes. These machines allow voters to verify their choices before scanning the ballot. It is unclear how the new rule will affect states that already use these machines. Some election officials support the change, while others say it could create confusion.
Republican Party Is Investigating Voter Registration Issues
The Republican National Committee is launching a nationwide effort to review voter registration lists. It has sent public records requests to 48 states and Washington, D.C., asking for documents on how states remove ineligible voters from voter rolls. The party argues that states need to do more to prevent fraudulent voting. Trump’s executive order is part of this larger effort to tighten election rules and improve public confidence in the voting system.
Trump Promises More Election Changes in the Coming Weeks
Trump says this executive order is just the beginning. He signs new measures regularly, and he has promised to take additional actions to change election rules in the near future. As he signed the order, he stated, ‘This will end it, hopefully.’ His supporters believe these changes will protect the integrity of future elections. However, critics argue that these new restrictions could make it harder for many Americans to vote. Legal battles over these rules are expected in the coming months.
