Trump signed an order to create a nationwide voter list and restrict mail ballots, a move expected to face immediate legal challenges.
directing the creation of a nationwide list of verified eligible voters, a move likely to face swift legal challenges as the president continues to push for tighter restrictions onAdministration, to compile lists of eligible voters in each state.
It also seeks to bar the U.S. Postal Service from delivering absentee ballots to individuals not included on those state‑approved lists, though Trump’s authority to mandate Postal Service operations is likely limited.ballots would be required to include secure envelopes with unique barcodes that allow for tracking, according to the directive, first reported by the Daily Caller. For voters, the order raises uncertainty about access to registration and absentee ballots, particularly for people whose eligibility records may be incomplete or inconsistent across federal and state databases. Election experts warn that relying on federally compiled voter lists could increase the risk of eligible voters being left off rolls, delayed in receiving ballots or required to take additional steps to verify their status. Because elections are administered by states, the order is also expected to trigger court fights that could leave voters facing confusion over which rules apply as midterm elections approach, especially for those who rely on mail voting, such as military members, students and people who travel frequently.The order represents Trump’s latest effort to exert federal influence over elections that are traditionally overseen by states and local jurisdictions.Voting rights advocates and legal experts said the order is likely to be challenged in court, as with Trump’s previous attempts to reshape election rules through executive actions. Trump signed an earlier election‑related executive order in March that sought sweeping changes, including requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration and mandating that mailed ballots arrive at election offices by Election Day. Large portions of that order have been blocked by courts following lawsuits brought by voting rights groups and Democratic attorneys general, who argued the president exceeded his constitutional authority and risked disenfranchising voters. In February, Trump said during an interview with a conservative podcaster that he wanted to “take over” elections in Democratic‑run areas, repeating fraud allegations that have been rejected by audits, investigations and court rulings. “This will be blocked as soon as lawyers can get to the courthouse,” said David Becker, a former Justice Department attorney who now leads the Center for Election Innovation and Research. “The Constitution is very clear — the president has no power over elections in the states.”Elections in the United States are not centralized or run by the federal government. Instead, they are administered by state and local election officials across thousands of jurisdictions, from small townships to large metropolitan counties. The Constitution’s “Elections Clause” gives Congress the authority to “make or alter” rules governing federal elections, but it does not grant the president the power to control election administration. Legal experts say that distinction has consistently limited the scope of executive authority over voting procedures.Trump remains a vocal critic of mail‑in voting, frequently asserting that the practice is vulnerable to fraud. He has urged lawmakers to pass broad election legislation that would restrict mail voting nationwide. Those claims are not supported by evidence. A 2025 report by the Brookings Institution found that fraud in mail voting occurred in approximately 0.000043% of ballots cast — about four cases per 10 million mail ballots.has said Trump opposes universal mail voting but supports access for individuals who need it due to circumstances such as travel or military service. The administration has not addressed how states would be required to implement the new voter‑list system outlined in Tuesday’s order or how conflicts between state and federal authority would be resolved. The order is expected to add to ongoing legal disputes over election policy as Trump continues to make voting restrictions a central issue ahead of the midterms., ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not"both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you., you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations.Opinion
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Trump signs order directing creation of a national voter listPresident Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order creating a nationwide list of verified eligible voters.
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