Judge Blocks Trump’s Citizenship Requirement for Voter Registration
A federal judge has determined that the Trump administration cannot implement an executive order mandating documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration. The administration argues that this measure is a valid attempt to safeguard election integrity.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Koller Kotelly, based in Washington, D.C., announced on Friday that the requirement was unconstitutional, asserting that the president “lacks the authority to direct such changes.”
In her ruling, Koller Kotelly posed a critical question regarding the president’s unilateral ability to influence federal election procedures. She clarified that since the Constitution delegates election regulation to states and Congress, the president does not have the authority to make such changes.
A spokesperson from the White House countered by stating that Trump acted within his legal powers. Abigail Jackson, White House Deputy Press Secretary, claimed in an email that “President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to ensure that only American citizens can vote in American elections.” She remarked that the necessity of such measures is so self-evident that only Democrats would challenge it.
She also expressed optimism about a favorable outcome in a higher court.
The ruling was favorable to the plaintiffs, which included groups like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Democratic National Committee, and the Women Voter Education Fund. They contended that the Constitution does not assign the president any direct role in electoral matters.
This decision effectively bars the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from imposing additional requirements on federal voter registration forms, according to the Associated Press.
However, the lawsuit will persist as judges assess other aspects of Trump’s executive order, as reported by the Associated Press.
Back in March, Trump had signed the executive order requiring individuals registering to vote to submit government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship.
The directive also instructed the Attorney General to establish information-sharing agreements with state election officials to detect election fraud and violations of election laws, tying federal election-related funding to states that adhere to federal integrity measures.
Prior to signing the executive order, Trump hinted at further steps in the forthcoming weeks, stating, “I think ultimately we will be able to have a fair election.”
Judge Koller Kotelly had previously issued a preliminary injunction in April, and another federal judge blocked the same executive order in June due to a separate challenge from Democratic state attorneys general, according to the Associated Press.
The White House has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
