Trump's Executive Order Outlines 5 Dramatic Changes to Federal Election Rules
President Donald Trump's latest executive order introduces sweeping changes to federal election practices, focusing on security and voter verification. Here are the five major changes that could transform U.S. elections:
-
Mandatory Citizenship Verification All federal election voters must now provide proof of U.S. citizenship through government-issued documentation like passports, REAL IDs, or military IDs. States must update their registration systems accordingly, with support from DHS and SSA for verification.
-
Election Day Ballot Deadline Ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted in federal races, regardless of postmark date. States not complying risk losing federal election funding. This eliminates grace periods for mail-in ballots.
-
Federal Funding Requirements The Election Assistance Commission will withhold funds from states that don't meet federal election laws and new ID requirements. States must use certified voting systems with paper records and voter-verifiable ballots or risk losing certification.
-
Enhanced DOJ Election Fraud Enforcement The Department of Justice will increase investigations into non-citizen voting and registration. States must share voter information with DOJ or risk losing federal law enforcement grants. This includes cross-agency coordination with DHS immigration databases and SSA records.
-
Foreign Influence Prevention The order strengthens enforcement against foreign campaign donations and requires DHS to review cybersecurity of election systems. This includes identifying vulnerabilities in internet-connected voting infrastructure.
The administration presents these changes as necessary security measures, while critics argue they could lead to voter suppression. As the 2026 midterms approach, states must either adapt to these new requirements or prepare legal challenges.
This executive order represents one of the most significant changes to U.S. election administration in recent history, potentially reshaping how Americans vote for years to come.