Major Changes to U.S. Elections Following Trump’s Executive Order
President Trump has signed an executive order undertaking major changes to the voting process, particularly focusing on citizenship proof for voter registration and restrictions on mail-in ballots. The order is likely to face court challenges, amidst continuing debunked claims of widespread voter fraud.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at overhauling the U.S. voting process, coinciding with his continued unfounded claims regarding voter fraud. The order suggests that the country fails to enforce essential election protections and criticizes the previous administration’s handling of voter citizenship verification.
The executive order proposes significant modifications to the voting registration system, voter records, and voting procedures. Anticipating legal challenges, analysts suggest the order may face scrutiny in courts as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Under the new regulations, individuals will be required to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections, such as a U.S. passport or a Real ID-compliant driver’s license. This change aims to bolster the integrity of the voting process but may introduce complications for prospective voters.
Additionally, absentee and mail-in ballots will not be counted if received after Election Day, despite the fact that 18 states along with Puerto Rico currently accept such ballots under certain conditions. This move aligns with Trump’s assertions of fraudulent activities related to mail-in voting.
States failing to comply with the new requirements may face the loss of federal funding and grants. Furthermore, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, will collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to assess state public voter registration lists and maintain accurate voter records.
It is essential to note that the alleged widespread voter fraud has been debunked. An Associated Press analysis illustrates that the cases of fraud encountered during the 2020 elections were minimal and did not impact election outcomes. Reports further indicate that even Trump’s campaign found no substantiated evidence of large-scale electoral fraud, challenging the narrative promoted by the former president.
Historically, Trump and his campaign have propagated allegations of large-scale voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election, which resulted in a decisive victory for Joe Biden. Despite being informed of the lack of evidence supporting these claims, Trump continued to assert them, even during ongoing election cycles.
President Trump’s executive order proposes significant changes to the U.S. voting process, emphasizing proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and stipulating that absentee and mail-in ballots cannot be counted post-Election Day. Despite these reforms, they arise amidst longstanding allegations of widespread voter fraud that have been refuted by numerous studies. Legal challenges to the order are expected, reflecting an ongoing debate about electoral integrity in the United States.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
