Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Voting Reforms

A federal judge appointed by former President Barack Obama has issued a permanent injunction against President Donald Trump’s executive order, which aimed to implement measures like requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voting in federal elections.

On Tuesday, Judge Dennis Casper, who has been part of the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts since 2010, stated that Trump’s directive is unconstitutional. He specifically noted that it is illegal to mandate that the Election Assistance Commission include citizenship proof in national mail-in voter registration forms.

Judge Casper expressed that certain sections of the executive order are “ultra-dangerous, unconstitutional, and invalid,” pointing out that these provisions violate the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The ruling bars defendants, excluding President Trump, from attempting to enforce or implement any requirements for documentary proof of citizenship as part of the federal mail-in voter registration process, as specified in 52 USC § 20508.

Additionally, they cannot make changes to the federal postcard form referenced in 52 USC § 20301(b)(2) that would necessitate proof of citizenship or proof of voting eligibility in the respective states.

Among other observations, Casper mentioned that there is no significant evidence of widespread fraud in U.S. elections, questioning the necessity of Trump’s executive order.

“The record lacks evidence of widespread illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, or other irregularities that the executive order claims to address,” Casper noted.

Last year, Judge Casper had already issued a preliminary injunction against Trump’s order, preventing the introduction of citizenship proof requirements within the electoral system.

The case is known as California vs. Donald Trump, docket number 25-cv-10810, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.