Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at reforming the nation’s elections has faced its first legal challenges as the Democratic National Committee and two nonprofits have filed separate lawsuits claiming it is unconstitutional. The Campaign Legal Center and the State Democracy Defenders Fund filed the first lawsuit, followed by a complaint from the DNC, Democratic Governors Association, and House and Senate Democratic leaders. Both lawsuits seek to block the order and declare it unconstitutional. According to Danielle Lang, senior director of voting rights at the Campaign Legal Center, the executive order is unlawful and threatens to undermine the country’s election systems and disproportionately silence certain Americans. The White House has not responded to these allegations. The legal challenges are based on concerns that some of the demands in the order, such as a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration and new deadline rules, may violate the US Constitution. The order also claims authority over an independent agency, the US Election Assistance Commission, which sets voting system guidelines and maintains the federal voter registration form. These lawsuits come as Congress is considering codifying a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration into law and as Trump vows to take further actions related to elections. According to the lawsuits, the Constitution is clear in granting states control over the rules of elections and gives Congress the authority to override these laws, but does not give the President authority over election administration. The lawsuits also argue that Trump’s order could disenfranchise voters and exposes personal data to an increased risk of harassment. While some Republican election officials praise the order for its potential to inhibit voter fraud, federal judges have blocked many of Trump’s executive orders in the past.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/democrats-sue-trump-elections