President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order aimed at reforming U.S. election processes on March 25,2025
The order introduces significant changes, including requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and limiting the acceptance of mail-in ballots to those received by Election Day.
Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration: The executive order mandates that individuals registering to vote in federal elections present documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport.
This measure seeks to enhance the integrity of voter registration but has raised concerns about potentially disenfranchising eligible voters who may lack the necessary documentation.
Restriction on Mail-In Ballots: The order stipulates that only mail-in ballots received by Election Day will be counted, effectively nullifying ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving later.
This provision challenges existing state laws that permit a longer window for counting mail-in ballots, such as Oregon’s seven-day period post-Election Day, provided they are postmarked by Election Day.
Enhanced Enforcement and Oversight: The executive order empowers federal agencies to oversee state voter rolls, aiming to identify and remove noncitizens.
It also directs the Department of Justice to prosecute election-related crimes, signaling a robust federal approach to election integrity.
