Trump Signs Executive Order Tightening Federal Election Rules, With Citizenship Proof Mandate and Post-Election Day Ballot Restrictions
WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday imposing stricter federal election controls, mandating proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The move, framed by the President as necessary to combat alleged election fraud, has drawn immediate and sharp criticism.
Trump, who continues to dispute the 2020 election results, citing unsubstantiated claims of widespread irregularities, particularly with absentee ballots, declared the nation “sick because of the fake elections.” He asserted, “We’ve got to straighten out our election, one way or the other.”
The order mandates states require proof of citizenship, such as passports, for voter registration. Non-compliance could result in federal funding cuts. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized to take action against states counting absentee ballots received post-Election Day, even if postmarked prior.
Experts and advocacy groups swiftly condemned the order. Richard Hasen, a UCLA law professor, labeled it a “dangerous” “executive power grab,” potentially disenfranchising millions. The Brennan Center and the ACLU vowed legal challenges, with the latter calling it “an extreme abuse of power.”
While voting by non-citizens is already a federal crime, critics argue the new requirements constitute an overreach, unduly restricting access to the ballot box.
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