US President Donald Trump has signed a major executive order targeting mail-in ballot, setting off immediate legal and political reactions. The order directs federal agencies to create a national voter database and imposes new restrictions on the issuance of mail-in ballots nationwide.
Donald Trump signs executive order to restrict mail-in ballot
Donald Trump’s mail-in ballot order instructs the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to work together on compiling a list of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote. The administration must give this list within 60 days of an election.
It also asks the United States Postal Service (USPS) to begin developing rules requiring states to notify the agency when voters request mail-in ballots. Under the proposal, voters would only receive ballots if they appear on a USPS-approved list.
While signing the order, Donald Trump repeated claims about fraud in mail-in voting, calling it “legendary.” However, multiple studies and investigations have consistently found no evidence of widespread voter fraud, including in mail-in voting. The president himself voted by mail earlier this month.
Donald Trump’s order has received criticism from election experts and lawmakers, many of whom say it oversteps presidential authority. The U.S. Constitution gives states the power to set election rules, not the federal government. David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation and Research said, “There’s not a single provision in here that will withstand judicial review. This is a wholly unconstitutional EO.”
Several practical concerns also remain unresolved. Federal law allows voter registration up to 30 days before an election. It raises questions about how voters who register after the 60-day deadline would be included. Additionally, it’s also unclear how federal agencies would determine where voters live using DHS and SSA data.
At the same time, the Justice Department has been pushing states to hand over voter rolls, including sensitive personal data. It has not succeeded in court so far and has already lost multiple cases (via The Guardian).
