President Trump strengthens America’s election system with a sweeping executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, raising both applause from supporters who see it as long overdue and criticism from those who claim it’s a federal overreach.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s executive order requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and mandates paper ballots to ensure election integrity.
- The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide states with access to systems for verifying citizenship status of voters.
- Federal election-related funds will now be conditioned on states complying with federal election integrity laws.
- The Attorney General is directed to sue states that count ballots arriving after Election Day, aligning with practices in European countries.
- The order revokes previous executive orders focused on expanding voting access in favor of security measures.
Strengthening America’s Election System
President Trump signed a comprehensive executive order aimed at bolstering the integrity of American elections through stricter voter identification requirements and improved ballot security measures. The order specifically mandates that the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, addressing longstanding concerns about potential non-citizen voting. This represents a significant shift in federal election policy, as administration of elections has traditionally been managed primarily by states and counties, with Congress imposing additional rules as needed.
The order highlights that despite America’s pioneering role in self-governance, our nation has fallen behind other developed countries in implementing basic election protections. It points to India and Brazil’s use of voter identification tied to biometric databases and countries like Germany and Canada that rely on paper ballots to reduce election disputes. The executive order aims to align American election practices with these international standards to enhance security and public confidence.
HUGE WIN for election integrity. President Trump is keeping his promise to secure our elections.
Requiring proof of citizenship, paper ballot trails, and investigating fraud are all commonsense steps to protect the vote. https://t.co/ruG23nA3SX
— Michael Whatley (@ChairmanWhatley) March 25, 2025
Paper Ballots and Verification Requirements
A key component of the executive order is its emphasis on paper ballots and voter-verifiable records. The order instructs the EAC to establish standards for voting systems that prioritize physical paper records over electronic-only systems. It specifically limits the use of barcodes or QR codes in vote counting, addressing concerns about systems like those used in Georgia where votes are marked on touchscreens and printed with summaries that may not always accurately reflect voter intent.
“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,” said the order.
The order facilitates information sharing between federal and state agencies to verify voter eligibility. States will now have access to resources like the Social Security Number Verification Service and the Death Master File to help maintain accurate voter rolls. This information-sharing approach aims to provide states with better tools to ensure only eligible citizens are casting ballots while preserving states’ primary role in administering elections.
Election Day Enforcement and Federal Oversight
Another significant aspect of the executive order is its approach to Election Day enforcement. The order directs the Attorney General to sue states that count ballots arriving after Election Day, reinforcing the concept of a uniform national election date. The order states that several states changed their rules during the 2020 election to permit late ballots to be counted as valid if they arrived within an extended time frame, a practice the administration seeks to end.
The order also prioritizes the prosecution of election crimes and prevention of foreign interference. It gives certain federal departments the power to subpoena voter registration records as part of efforts to ensure election integrity. Additionally, federal election-related funds will now be conditioned on states complying with federal election integrity laws, creating a financial incentive for states to implement the order’s requirements. The order revokes previous executive orders focused on expanding voting access in favor of these new security measures.
Sources:
- Trump’s executive order on elections is a blatant power grab
- Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections – The White House
- Trump Signs EO Requiring Proof Of Citizenship, Paper Ballots
