Trump's Election Shake-Up: Can He Really Do That?

The U. S. President, Donald Trump, recently made big changes to how elections are run in the country. He signed an order that requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandates that all mailed ballots must be received by Election Day. This move has sparked a lot of debate and criticism. Many election officials, state attorneys general, and legal experts argue that Trump's order oversteps his authority and infringes on state powers outlined in the Constitution. The order has been met with strong opposition. Colorado's Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, called it "unlawful. " David Becker, a former U. S. Justice Department attorney, stated that such changes cannot be made through executive action alone. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin expects many states to challenge the order, citing Trump's history of controversial actions. The Trump administration claims these changes are necessary to combat voter fraud, which Trump falsely alleges is widespread. However, the legality of the order will ultimately be decided by the courts. Trump has hinted at more actions to come, threatening to withhold federal funds from states that don't comply. This has raised concerns about the integrity of state election rules and the potential for voter suppression. The Constitution gives states the power to determine the "times, places, and manner" of elections. This means that elections are run by local officials and volunteers, not the federal government. The "Elections Clause" also gives Congress the power to regulate elections for federal offices, but it does not mention any presidential authority over election administration. Becker emphasized that when nationwide voting issues arise, they are typically addressed through Congress, not executive orders. Trump's order also targets the Election Assistance Commission, an independent agency. The order instructs the EAC to amend its voter registration form and guidelines for voting systems, which some experts argue is beyond the president's authority. This move is part of a broader trend of Trump seeking to consolidate power over independent agencies. The order could face additional legal challenges if it prevents eligible voters from casting their ballots. Millions of Americans may not have the required documents to prove their citizenship, potentially disenfranchising them. The order also grants the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency access to state voter registration lists, raising concerns about data privacy and voter intimidation. Legal challenges are already on the horizon. Groups like the ACLU, Campaign Legal Center, and Common Cause are reviewing the order for possible lawsuits. State officials have mixed reactions, with some Republicans supporting the order and Democrats expressing concerns about its legality.