Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at tightening U.S. election rules. The order mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and requires that ballots be received by Election Day to be counted. This move, according to Trump, is intended to combat election fraud, a claim he has repeatedly made since his 2020 defeat. States that fail to comply with these new requirements risk losing federal funding for elections.
Critics, including civil rights organizations and legal experts, argue that the order could disenfranchise millions, particularly from marginalized communities. They also assert that it oversteps presidential authority, as election rules are traditionally governed by individual states and Congress. While Trump emphasizes election integrity, his claims of widespread voter fraud have been widely discredited.
The order's implications could significantly reshape voter access in the U.S., stirring debates about the balance between securing elections and ensuring voter accessibility. Legal challenges are expected, as opponents argue that the order could unfairly restrict voter participation and undermine democratic processes.
