President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to compile a national list of eligible voters and requiring the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to restrict mail-in ballots to those on the approved lists. The order mandates that ballots be sent in secure envelopes with unique barcodes for tracking and warns states of potential federal funding cuts if they fail to comply.
Core Facts
The executive order tasks DHS, in coordination with the Social Security Administration, to create state-specific lists of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote. These lists will be provided to state election officials at least 60 days before federal elections. The USPS is directed to design rules ensuring mail-in ballots are only sent to and returned by voters on the DHS-approved lists. The order also calls for the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize prosecuting cases of ballots sent to ineligible voters.
Policy Details and Rationale
Trump has long criticized mail-in voting, claiming it enables fraud, though no evidence supports his assertions. The order aims to address concerns about voter eligibility and ballot security. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated the order ensures 'mail-in ballots are safe, secure, and accurate.' The White House fact sheet emphasizes the need for 'election integrity' and cites the stalled SAVE America Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Democrats and state officials, particularly in mail-heavy voting states like California, Oregon, and Arizona, have vowed to challenge the order in court. They argue it violates states' constitutional authority to administer elections and infringes on voter access. Legal experts suggest the order may be deemed unconstitutional, as it encroaches on state powers. The USPS, already underfunded, faces additional burdens under the order.
Broader Context
The order follows Trump's repeated claims of election fraud in 2020, which he attributes to mail-in voting. It also comes as his party faces potential losses in the upcoming midterm elections. The SAVE America Act, which stalled in Congress, sought similar voter ID and citizenship verification measures. The order's implementation timeline and legal hurdles remain uncertain.