Trump's Voter Registration Overhaul Sparks Legal and Political Challenges
United States, Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
Former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order mandates strict voter registration requirements, including proof of citizenship. Legal experts and rights groups argue it could disenfranchise millions and face significant court challenges.
Sweeping Changes to Voter Registration
On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that fundamentally alters how Americans register to vote in federal elections [1][2]. The order requires documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandates that all ballots must be received by Election Day, threatening to withhold federal funding from non-compliant states [3]. This marks a significant departure from current practices, where 18 states and Puerto Rico accept mail-in ballots received after Election Day if postmarked by the deadline [4].
Potential Impact on Voters
The new requirements could have far-reaching consequences for American voters. According to a 2023 Brennan Center for Justice report, approximately 21.3 million U.S. citizens of voting age lack readily available proof of citizenship, representing roughly 9% of the eligible voting population [4]. The ACLU warns that the order would disproportionately affect historically-excluded communities, including voters of color, naturalized citizens, people with disabilities, and the elderly [3].
Legal Challenges and Expert Opposition
Legal experts have quickly challenged the order’s legitimacy. UCLA Law professor Rick Hasen questions Trump’s authority to direct the Election Assistance Commission, stating, ‘Even putting aside the substance, there’s a huge question about whether Trump can direct the EAC to do anything’ [1]. Election lawyer Justin Levitt asserts that ‘the vast majority of what it does is not lawful’ [1]. The ACLU has already announced plans to challenge the executive order in court [3].
Implementation and State Response
The order empowers the Department of Homeland Security to review state voter rolls and potentially issue subpoenas to ensure compliance [1][5]. State reactions have been divided along partisan lines. Colorado’s Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold criticizes the order as an attempt to ‘make it harder for voters to fight back at the ballot box,’ while Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger supports the measure as ensuring ‘only American citizens decide American elections’ [4].