President Trump signs an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, setting the stage for legal battles that will define the future of America’s electoral system.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s executive order requires proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections and mandates all ballots be received by Election Day.
- The order threatens to withdraw federal funding from states that do not comply with its requirements within 30 days.
- Despite claims of widespread noncitizen voting, only 29 instances were documented between 2003-2023 according to the Heritage Foundation.
- Voting rights advocates warn that approximately 9% of voting-age citizens lack documentation proving citizenship, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.
- Legal challenges are expected as critics argue the order oversteps federal authority since the Constitution grants states primary control over election processes.
Trump Takes Action on Election Integrity
President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voters in federal elections, marking a significant shift in election administration policy. The order directs the federal Election Assistance Commission to implement citizenship verification requirements within 30 days and prohibits counting absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day. This directive directly conflicts with current practices in 18 states and Puerto Rico that allow ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within a specified timeframe afterward.
The executive order also tasks the Department of Homeland Security with accessing state voter rolls to ensure accuracy and identify potential noncitizens. States that fail to comply with the new requirements face potential loss of federal funding, creating significant pressure for implementation. The order explicitly rescinds a 2021 executive order by former President Biden that had aimed to boost voter registration through federal agencies.
WASHINGTON: President Trump signed an executive order mandating a citizenship question on federal voting forms, requiring proof of citizenship before voting. States risk losing funds if they don’t comply, and DOJ will crack down on election crimes. pic.twitter.com/wszkYj1Mym
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) March 26, 2025
Support and Opposition
Republican officials have largely praised the order as necessary for election integrity. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger endorsed the action, “Thank you, President Trump, for this executive order ensuring that only American citizens decide American elections.” The order received widespread support from conservative officials who have long pushed for stricter voting requirements, framing the issue as fundamental to maintaining trust in election outcomes.
Voting rights organizations, however, have expressed serious concerns about the potential for disenfranchisement. Studies indicate approximately 9% of voting-age citizens lack documentary proof of citizenship. Critics also point out that married women who changed their names may face registration difficulties due to mismatched documentation. Colorado’s Secretary of State directly criticized the order as an unlawful federal overreach into state authority over elections.
Legal Challenges Expected
The executive order faces a likely barrage of legal challenges from voting rights groups and Democratic state attorneys general. Constitutional experts question whether a president can unilaterally change election procedures, as the Constitution grants states primary authority over managing elections. The order’s threat to withhold federal funding may also face scrutiny under precedents limiting the federal government’s ability to coerce states through funding restrictions.
While federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, evidence of widespread violations remains scarce. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, documented just 29 instances of noncitizen voting from 2003 to 2023. This contrasts with Trump’s claims about illegal voting contributing to his 2020 election loss and his defeat in the 2016 popular vote. The president indicated this order is just the beginning, stating “There are other steps that we will be taking in the coming weeks.”
Sources:
Trump signs broad elections order requiring proof of citizenship
Trump Signs Order Requiring Citizenship Proof to Vote in Elections
