Trump Signs Executive Order Requiring Proof of Citizenship in Federal Elections

President Donald Trump released an executive order on Tuesday attempting to overhaul the American voting system. His order includes requirements on voter ID and when ballots must arrive to polling stations.

In the order, Trump outlined his plan to ensure that votes arrive on Election Day.

“Free, fair and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic,” reads the text of the executive order.

“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.”

It is likely that the executive order will be challenged in court, as have many of Trump’s other orders. Election law is typically dictated by states, even for federal offices.

Trump’s proposed changes, including requiring votes to be submitted by Election Day, would affect states that allow votes to arrive to polling places in the days after an election.

Changes to the electoral system in Trump’s order

Trump’s executive order mandates sweeping change for electoral systems across the nation.

It requires that:

- Voters present proof of citizenship when they vote, including a passport or a compliant driver’s license.

- Voters present proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the state in which the voter is attempting to vote.

- States do not count absentee or mail-in ballots that arrive at their offices after Election Day.

- The commissioner of Social Security supply citizen information to electoral databases to ensure that votes are only cast by living, eligible citizens.

- The attorney general take “appropriate action” to censure states that do not comply with election integrity laws.

The order also tightens protocols around the interference of foreign nations in elections, including by preventing foreign entities from making donations to candidates.