A federal judge has permanently barred the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. U.S. District Judge Denise Casper, appointed by former President Barack Obama, ruled that the order exceeded presidential authority and violated the Constitution's separation of powers. The decision converts a preliminary injunction issued a year ago into a permanent ban, blocking key aspects of the March 2025 executive order titled 'Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.'
Core Facts
- Judge Casper ruled the order unconstitutional, stating the president lacks authority over election procedures.
- The ruling prevents federal agencies from enforcing proof-of-citizenship requirements, changes to registration forms, and penalties for late-arriving ballots.
Deeper Dive & Context
Legal Rationale
Judge Casper's ruling emphasized that the Constitution grants states and Congress, not the president, the power to regulate elections. She wrote, 'The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,' rejecting the administration's argument that the order was necessary to combat election fraud.
Political Reactions
The White House, through Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, criticized the ruling, warning of 'rogue judges' undermining the judiciary. Meanwhile, Democratic state attorneys general, including those from California, Arizona, and Massachusetts, celebrated the decision as a defense of voting rights. New York Attorney General Letitia James called it a block on Trump's 'unconstitutional attempt to seize control of our elections.'
Policy Implications
The ruling leaves existing election rules in place, preventing the creation of a federal documentation requirement for voter registration. It also halts efforts to penalize states for late-arriving ballots and withhold federal funding tied to compliance with the order. The decision comes amid broader debates over voter ID laws and election integrity, with Trump pushing for the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections.
Background
The lawsuit was brought by 19 Democratic-led states challenging the executive order. The ruling follows a string of legal setbacks for Trump's election policies, including previous injunctions blocking parts of the order while the case was litigated.