Executive Order mandates Citizenship Proof and Restricts Ballot Acceptance

Washington D.C. – On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” a move designed to reshape federal elections. This order mandates that voters provide proof of U.S. citizenship and restricts the acceptance of ballots to those received before Election Day.

The key components of the order include:

• Proof of Citizenship: Voters must present documentation verifying their U.S. citizenship. This requirement aims to prevent non-citizens from voting, a concern frequently voiced by conservatives.
• Ballot Submission Deadline: Only ballots physically received before Election Day will be counted, effectively eliminating the acceptance of ballots based on postmarks. This change could disproportionately affect military personnel and overseas voters.
• Voter Roll Verification: States are mandated to cooperate with federal agencies to scrutinize voter rolls and investigate potential election crimes. This provision raises concerns about potential voter suppression, especially among minority groups.
• Paper Ballot Emphasis: The order seeks to move away from electronic ballot systems that rely on barcodes or QR codes, advocating for a return to paper-based systems verifiable by voters. This shift aims to enhance election security and transparency.

These changes represent a meaningful departure from current practices in many states and are poised to reshape the landscape of American elections.The potential impact on voter turnout and the accessibility of elections is a major point of contention.

federal Agencies Tasked with Voter Verification, States Face Compliance Pressure

The executive order directs several federal agencies to play a crucial role in assisting states with voter verification. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the State Department are instructed to open their databases to aid in confirming voter eligibility. Furthermore, the Department of Justice is expected to collaborate with state prosecutors to prioritize cases involving illegal voting activities.

A key point of contention lies in the order’s warning that states could face the loss of federal funding if they fail to adhere to these new federal norms. this provision raises concerns about potential federal overreach into areas traditionally managed by state governments, setting the stage for potential legal challenges. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this order could be seen as a violation of that principle.

Revoking Biden’s Executive Order, Trump Alleges Partisan Bias

Adding another layer of complexity, Trump’s executive order revokes Executive Order No. 14019, which was signed by the Biden administration in 2021. That order encouraged federal agencies to actively promote voter registration. Trump has been a vocal critic of this initiative, arguing that it transformed government departments into “a center for voter mobilization for the Democratic Party” and violated the principle of administrative neutrality.

This revocation underscores the deep partisan divide surrounding election administration and highlights the differing philosophies on the role of the federal government in voter engagement.Democrats argue that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote, while Republicans tend to favor a more limited federal role, emphasizing state control over elections.

Trump Defends Order, Promises More Election Reforms

At the signing ceremony, President Trump defended the executive order, stating, “We will fix the election to ensure that the ballots are accurately calculated and let people know that their voices are heard.” He further emphasized the need for “paper ballots, the same-day voting and citizenship verification,” characterizing these principles as “simple, clear and necessary.”

Trump also hinted at further election reform measures to be unveiled in the coming weeks, suggesting that this executive order is just the first step in a broader effort to reshape the American electoral system. He has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 election was stolen, despite numerous investigations and court rulings that have found no evidence of widespread fraud.

We will fix the election to ensure that the ballots are accurately calculated and let people know that their voices are heard. We will return to paper ballots, the same-day voting and citizenship verification. these principles are simple, clear and necessary.

echoes of the SAVE Act: Implementing unpassed Legislation

The executive order is viewed by some as an attempt by the Trump administration to implement key provisions of the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act” (SAVE Act) without Congressional approval. The SAVE Act, which has not been passed by Congress, shares similar goals of requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.

By enacting these measures through executive action, the administration is bypassing the legislative process, a move that is highly likely to face legal scrutiny and accusations of overreach. Critics argue that the President is attempting to legislate from the White House, undermining the role of Congress in setting election policy.

Truth Social Proclamation

President Trump took to his social media platform, truth Social, to proclaim that the executive order is “the most influential and comprehensive executive action on election security in American history.”

Constitutional Challenges Loom: States’ Rights vs. Federal Authority

Legal experts anticipate a flurry of lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the executive order. The central legal question revolves around the balance of power between the federal government and state governments in regulating elections. The Constitution grants states the primary responsibility for administering elections,but Congress has the power to regulate federal elections.

Opponents of the order argue that it infringes on states’ rights and violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. They contend that the citizenship requirement could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those who may have difficulty obtaining or presenting proof of citizenship.

Democrats Condemn “Illegal Federal Intervention,” Republicans Voice Support

The executive order has drawn sharp partisan reactions. Democrats have condemned it as an “illegal federal intervention” in state elections, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to suppress voter turnout and undermine the democratic process. Republicans, on the other hand, have largely praised the order as a necessary step to ensure election integrity and prevent voter fraud.

The partisan divide over election administration reflects a broader trend in American politics, with Democrats and Republicans holding increasingly divergent views on issues such as voter ID laws, early voting, and mail-in voting.

Mike Lindell Launches Fundraising Campaign

Mike Lindell,a prominent supporter of President Trump and a vocal proponent of election fraud conspiracy theories,has launched a fundraising campaign to support the implementation of the executive order. Lindell has pledged to donate millions of dollars to organizations that are working to promote election integrity and combat voter fraud.

Lindell’s involvement highlights the deep-seated belief among some conservatives that the 2020 election was stolen and that urgent action is needed to prevent future fraud.

RNC Launches Voter Roll Examination

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has announced that it will launch a nationwide examination of voter rolls to identify and remove ineligible voters. The RNC’s effort will focus on states that have been identified as having high rates of voter registration errors or potential fraud.

Critics of the RNC’s initiative argue that it is indeed a thinly veiled attempt to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority groups and low-income voters.

Potential Counterarguments and Criticisms

While proponents argue the executive order enhances election integrity,critics raise several counterarguments:

• Voter Suppression: The citizenship requirement could disproportionately affect naturalized citizens and minority groups who may face challenges in obtaining or presenting the required documentation.
• Unnecessary burden: Critics argue that voter fraud is rare and that the executive order imposes an unnecessary burden on voters and election officials.
• Federal Overreach: The order could be seen as an infringement on states’ rights to administer elections,violating the principles of federalism.
• Legal Challenges: The order is likely to face numerous legal challenges, which could delay or prevent its implementation.

Practical Applications and Implications

the practical applications and implications of the executive order are far-reaching:

• Voter Turnout: The citizenship requirement and stricter ballot deadlines could reduce voter turnout, particularly among minority groups and low-income voters.
• Election Administration Costs: States may incur significant costs in implementing the new requirements, such as verifying citizenship and processing paper ballots.
• Legal Battles: The executive order is highly likely to be challenged in court, leading to lengthy and costly legal battles.
• Public Trust: The order could further erode public trust in elections, particularly if it is indeed seen as being implemented in a partisan manner.

The impact of the executive order will depend on how it is implemented and enforced, as well as the outcome of the unavoidable legal challenges.

Can Trump’s Election Overhaul Actually “Fix” American elections? An Expert Weighs In.

To understand the potential impact of President Trump’s executive order,we spoke with Dr.Eleanor Vance, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan and an expert on election law and administration.

WTN: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. What are your initial thoughts on President Trump’s executive order?

Dr. Vance: “This executive order is a significant intervention in the way elections are conducted in the United States. While the stated goal is to enhance election integrity, the practical effect could be to disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine the democratic process.”

WTN: What are the most concerning aspects of the order?

dr. Vance: “The citizenship requirement is particularly troubling. it could create significant barriers to voting for naturalized citizens and other eligible voters who may have difficulty obtaining or presenting the required documentation. The stricter ballot deadlines could also disproportionately affect military personnel and overseas voters.”

WTN: What about the potential for federal overreach?

Dr. vance: “The executive order raises serious questions about federalism and the balance of power between the federal government and state governments in regulating elections. the Constitution grants states the primary responsibility for administering elections,and the federal government should be cautious about interfering in that process.”

WTN: What are the implications for voter access and the overall health of our democracy?

Dr. Vance: “The implications are significant. If implemented as written, this executive order could reduce voter turnout, erode public trust in elections, and further polarize American politics. It is essential that we protect the right to vote for all eligible citizens and ensure that our elections are fair,accessible,and secure.”

WTN: Dr. Vance, thank you very much for your brilliant insights.This has been deeply informative.

Dr.Vance: “My pleasure.”