In a significant move ahead of the upcoming elections, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport or government-issued ID—when registering to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the order mandates that all ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.
Defending the order, President Trump stated, “This country is so sick because of the elections, the fake elections and the bad elections. We’re going to straighten that out one way or the other.”
However, the executive order has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents arguing that it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. A 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice estimates that nearly 21.3 million U.S. citizens of voting age—approximately 9%—lack immediate access to the necessary documents.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the constitutionality of the order, as election administration traditionally falls under state jurisdiction. Many anticipate legal challenges, questioning whether the president has the authority to enforce such requirements nationwide.
The order directs the Election Assistance Commission to implement the new rules and warns that states failing to comply could face cuts in federal funding. As opposition mounts, this controversial move is set to ignite a fierce legal and political battle in the months ahead.
