United States President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that aims to tighten election rules ahead of the 2026 midterms, building on his frequent, unsubstantiated claims of large-scale election fraud. The order, titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” introduces several stringent requirements for voters to meet in order to cast their ballot. Among these are the requirement to submit official proof of US citizenship and stricter ballot submission deadlines, with noncompliance risking the loss of federal election funding for states.
Key aspects of the executive order include the introduction of a proof of citizenship requirement, meant to prevent non-Americans from voting in federal elections, even though such an act is already punishable by law. Federal agencies will be required to share data to identify non-citizens on voter rolls, a move that voting rights groups argue could lead to voter disenfranchisement, especially affecting married women who have changed their last names and the millions of Americans who do not have a passport.
The order also standardizes mail-in balloting requirements, mandating that all mail ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted. This move is expected to place significant financial pressure on states with more flexible voting procedures, as compliance with these new standards could affect federal election funding. Data sharing and prosecution mechanisms are also outlined, instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure access to systems for verifying immigration status and potentially using subpoenas to ensure voter registration compliance.
Given the executive order’s implications on state authority over elections, it is likely to face legal challenges. Critics argue that the order aims to federalize elections, potentially to create an illusion of misconduct in the electoral process and justify future actions by President Trump. Despite these criticisms, conservative groups have praised the move as a much-needed effort to secure elections.
The implementation of these measures could significantly alter the voting process in the United States, emphasizing the need for proof of citizenship and stricter adherence to voting deadlines. However, these changes also raise concerns about the potential for voter disenfranchisement and the expansion of federal authority in state-managed elections.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/26/trump-signs-new-executive-order-to-change-election-rules-what-we-know?traffic_source=rss
