Trump initiates overhaul of US election system
Voters will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and mail-in voting must be completed before election day. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed an extensive executive order aimed at revamping the American election system, which...
TroibNews 
Voters will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and mail-in voting must be completed before election day.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed an extensive executive order aimed at revamping the American election system, which includes a mandate for proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The order, named ‘Preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections,’ encourages states to collaborate with federal agencies and share voter rolls, while also calling for the prosecution of election-related crimes. Additionally, it threatens to reduce federal funding for states that do not comply with its provisions.
“Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing,” the text of the order states, explaining that other countries have implemented measures such as biometric identification and restrictions on mail-in voting to enhance the security of their election processes.
“Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional republic. The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election,” the document emphasizes.
The order also stipulates that proof of citizenship is a requirement for voter registration in federal elections. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the anticipated Republican-backed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. While non-citizen voting in federal elections is already classified as a felony, Republicans assert that additional measures are necessary to restore public trust in the electoral process.
Voting rights organizations have criticized this proposed change, arguing that many eligible American voters lack immediate access to proof of citizenship. A 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice and other organizations reveals that approximately 21.3 million people, or about 9% of US citizens of voting age, do not have these documents readily available.
Trump has consistently expressed concerns regarding the US voting system, claiming it is vulnerable to irregularities and fraud. He has particularly opposed mail-in voting. Under the new executive order, votes must now be “cast and received” prior to election day, with federal funding dependent on state adherence.
The order has already attracted backlash from various groups who intend to challenge it legally. Oregon’s Secretary of State, Tobias Read, labeled the executive order an “action against democracy.” His state relies significantly on mail-in voting.
“It is every American citizen’s right to hold politicians accountable at the ballot box. This executive order is a threat to that right and a threat to our responsibility as states to run fair, secure elections. This illegal action against American democracy will be challenged, and it will not stand,” Read stated.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed an extensive executive order aimed at revamping the American election system, which includes a mandate for proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The order, named ‘Preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections,’ encourages states to collaborate with federal agencies and share voter rolls, while also calling for the prosecution of election-related crimes. Additionally, it threatens to reduce federal funding for states that do not comply with its provisions.
“Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing,” the text of the order states, explaining that other countries have implemented measures such as biometric identification and restrictions on mail-in voting to enhance the security of their election processes.
“Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional republic. The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election,” the document emphasizes.
The order also stipulates that proof of citizenship is a requirement for voter registration in federal elections. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the anticipated Republican-backed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. While non-citizen voting in federal elections is already classified as a felony, Republicans assert that additional measures are necessary to restore public trust in the electoral process.
Voting rights organizations have criticized this proposed change, arguing that many eligible American voters lack immediate access to proof of citizenship. A 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice and other organizations reveals that approximately 21.3 million people, or about 9% of US citizens of voting age, do not have these documents readily available.
Trump has consistently expressed concerns regarding the US voting system, claiming it is vulnerable to irregularities and fraud. He has particularly opposed mail-in voting. Under the new executive order, votes must now be “cast and received” prior to election day, with federal funding dependent on state adherence.
The order has already attracted backlash from various groups who intend to challenge it legally. Oregon’s Secretary of State, Tobias Read, labeled the executive order an “action against democracy.” His state relies significantly on mail-in voting.
“It is every American citizen’s right to hold politicians accountable at the ballot box. This executive order is a threat to that right and a threat to our responsibility as states to run fair, secure elections. This illegal action against American democracy will be challenged, and it will not stand,” Read stated.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
