Former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at tightening election rules across the country. The order mandates stricter measures, such as requiring official proof of citizenship for voter registration and ensuring that all ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted. The order claims that the US has failed to uphold “basic and necessary election safeguards” and directs states to collaborate with federal agencies to share voter information and crack down on election-related crimes. It also warns that states refusing to comply could lose access to federal funding.
The move is expected to spark legal battles, as election rules traditionally fall under state jurisdiction. According to the Associated Press, the order reflects Trump’s ongoing skepticism about the electoral process. Since losing to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Trump has frequently claimed widespread voter fraud, often without providing concrete evidence.
Throughout his political career, Trump has been highly critical of mail-in voting, insisting it is vulnerable to fraud. However, in recent years, he has softened his stance slightly, recognizing its popularity—even among Republican voters.
Trump’s citizenship proof order: What it means for voters
By mandating documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, Trump’s executive order pushes forward a measure that congressional Republicans have been working on through the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The order shows that Trump is unwilling to wait for lawmakers, taking direct action to implement the requirement himself.
Republicans argue that this step is necessary to restore trust in the election system. While it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections—punishable by felony charges and potential deportation—they believe stricter rules will prevent any potential violations.
However, voting rights groups have voiced concerns that the requirement could block eligible voters from participating. A 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice found that around 21.3 million voting-age US citizens—roughly 9 percent—lack easy access to citizenship documents, such as birth certificates or passports.
There are also fears that married women who changed their last names could face registration challenges, as their birth certificates display their maiden names. This issue recently emerged in New Hampshire, where a new law requiring proof of citizenship caused confusion during local elections.
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