Former President Donald Trump recently took a significant step to reform election processes in the United States. In an executive order signed on Tuesday, he proposed major changes aimed at enhancing election integrity. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the order is the requirement for documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Additionally, it mandates that all ballots must be cast and received by Election Day.
In his order, Trump pointed out that the U.S. has not adequately enforced essential election protections, calling for state cooperation with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute any election-related crimes. He also stated that federal funding could be withheld from states that do not comply with these requirements.
This move aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticism of the election system, where he has consistently raised concerns about potential fraud. While he has faced pushback, particularly from states that have their own election regulations, Trump’s order reflects a broader Republican sentiment to ensure secure and fair elections.
One key area of focus for Trump has been mail-in voting. He believes that this method may lead to fraudulent activities, despite evidence suggesting that fraud is relatively uncommon. The executive order’s requirement for proof of citizenship signals that Trump is moving forward without waiting for Congress to act on the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which seeks similar verification measures.
Critics, including voting rights groups, have raised concerns regarding the disenfranchisement of citizens who may not have the necessary documentation readily available — with estimates indicating that about 9% of voting-age citizens lack proof of citizenship. There are additional worries regarding married women who may face difficulties if their voting records do not match their current names due to name changes.
As part of this executive order, Trump directed federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to assist in identifying noncitizens on voter rolls with the sharing of federal data. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of integrity in elections by urging strict enforcement of election laws in states that do not cooperate with federal efforts.
While Trump’s order could face legal challenges on the grounds that states hold significant authority over their election processes, supporters like Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a positive step toward ensuring that only American citizens participate in elections.
In response to this order, the Republican National Committee has launched an extensive campaign to investigate how states manage their voter registration lists, emphasizing the need for transparency in identifying ineligible voters.
Trump concluded his announcements regarding the executive order by expressing hope that these measures would effectively address concerns of election fraud and hinted at further actions to come in the near future.
