A federal judge has struck down key parts of former President Donald Trump’s executive order that would have required voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Critics warned the order could have disenfranchised millions of eligible voters, particularly those registering through federal forms or while applying for public benefits.
In a detailed ruling, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly stated that the executive order overstepped presidential authority and violated the Constitution, which assigns control of election procedures to Congress and individual states. She blocked provisions that directed the Election Assistance Commission to change national registration forms and required federal agencies to verify citizenship status during public assistance processes.
The ruling also prevents the federal government from withholding election funding from states that refuse to comply with the order. However, the judge did allow some elements of the order to proceed, including a requirement that mail-in ballots be received by Election Day.
Voting rights groups celebrated the decision, calling it a win for voter access and constitutional checks and balances. Meanwhile, the Justice Department expressed disappointment, and further legal battles over remaining parts of the order are expected.
