Trump election order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration blocked by judge | Today’s news
A US federal judge on Wednesday (June 24) permanently blocked most provisions of President Donald Trump’s executive order on elections, including a controversial requirement that voters provide documentary proof of US citizenship when registering.
U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston changed the previous preliminary injunction to a permanent ruling, finding that the order exceeded presidential authority and violated constitutional limits on executive power in elections.
Court rejected presidential authority over election rules
In her ruling, Judge Casper said the Constitution does not grant the president specific authority to regulate elections, stressing that such authority rests with the states and Congress.
Quick answers to key questions
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A federal judge ruled that the order exceeded presidential authority and violated constitutional limits on executive power over elections, noting that such authority rests with the states and Congress.
The judge blocked several provisions, including requiring mandatory documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and limiting the counting of ballots delivered after Election Day.
The decision prevents the implementation of measures that could significantly change federal election procedures and preserves existing regulations on voter registration and vote counting.
New York Attorney General Letitia James welcomed the decision, calling it a rejection of an unconstitutional attempt to control elections and reaffirming the importance of protecting voting rights.
Yes, because if implemented, Trump’s order could impose stricter voting rules, which could impact access to register and cast ballots for many voters.
“The Constitution does not grant the president any specific powers regarding elections,” she wrote, rejecting the administration’s argument that the legal challenge is premature.
The suit was filed by a Democratic state attorney general who argued the order illegally attempted to reshape federal election rules.
What Trump’s order was supposed to change
The blocked executive order contained several major proposals that would significantly change US election procedures:
-Mandatory proof of citizenship for voter registration
-Restriction on the counting of postal ballots delivered after election day, even if they are postmarked in time
-Potential withholding of federal funding to non-compliant states
The court ruling effectively prevents the implementation of most of these measures.
Political and legal impact
New York Attorney General Letitia James welcomed the decision, calling it a rejection of what she described as “an unconstitutional attempt to take control of our elections.” She said her office will continue to defend voting rights ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
“Generations of Americans have fought tirelessly for the right to vote, and we honor their legacy by protecting that right from anyone who would try to undermine it,” she said.
The ruling marks the latest setback in Trump’s election-related executive actions, many of which have faced ongoing legal challenges across multiple courts.
The broader legal battles continue
Another federal court in Washington, DC, has already blocked parts of the same executive order, including efforts to add citizenship verification to federal voter registration forms and impose restrictions on military access to the ballot.
Meanwhile, Trump continued to push legislative alternatives through Congress, backing the SAVE America Act, which would have implemented proof-of-citizenship requirements nationwide. The bill passed the House but remains stalled in the Senate due to opposition and procedural hurdles.
Link to wider policy strategy
The legal decision comes as Trump steps up pressure on Republicans in Congress to push through his election security agenda. The same day, he canceled a planned signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, saying he would not approve unrelated legislation until Congress passed the voter citizenship requirements.
The issue of mail-in voting deadlines may also be affected by an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision that could determine whether ballots must arrive by Election Day, a decision that could change voting rules in several states.
Read also | Why did Trump suddenly cancel the signing of the bipartisan housing bill?
