WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at restricting mail-in voting, escalating ongoing disputes over federal and state authority in election administration. The order directs federal agencies, including Homeland Security and Social Security, to compile and share data on voting-age citizens with states, a move critics argue edges toward creating a national voter database.
The directive also requires the U.S. Postal Service to process only ballots with tracking barcodes and mandates that states notify federal officials at least 90 days before elections if they plan to use mail voting. Supporters, including Republican officials, say the changes could strengthen voter confidence, while critics warn the measures may infringe on state control of elections.
Legal concerns are central, as the Constitution assigns election oversight primarily to states and Congress. Similar past efforts by Trump to impose federal election requirements have been blocked in court. Voting rights advocates and legal experts have already signaled likely challenges, with attorney Marc Elias stating lawsuits are expected if the order is enforced.
The policy also builds on Trump’s support for the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, though the legislation faces uncertain prospects in the Senate.
The Justice Department has simultaneously pursued voter data from states, drawing additional legal resistance and court rulings against federal overreach.
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