On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening election integrity. The order introduces key measures, including:
- Proof of Citizenship: Voters must provide official documents, such as a passport or government-issued ID, to register for federal elections.
- Ballot Submission Deadline: Only ballots received by Election Day will be counted, eliminating late-arriving mail-in ballots.
- Federal Funding Penalties: States that do not comply risk losing federal election-related funding.
The administration claims these measures will prevent voter fraud, but critics argue they could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those without immediate access to citizenship documents. Legal experts predict constitutional challenges, as election administration is traditionally managed by states.
The executive order has intensified the national debate over voting rights and federal authority. Civil rights groups are expected to challenge the order in court, arguing it could suppress voter participation.