Trump Signs Executive Order for Election Integrity

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at ensuring election integrity for federal elections, as discussions around the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act continue in Congress.

On a Tuesday, the order titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections” mandates that the federal government enforce current laws with “additional measures” to guarantee that only American citizens can participate in federal elections.

“The Federal Government has an unavoidable duty under Article II of the Constitution of the United States to enforce Federal law, which includes preventing violations of Federal criminal law and maintaining public confidence in election outcomes,” the order states. “To enhance election integrity via the United States Mail, additional measures are necessary.”

It further explains that “Secure ballot envelope identifiers provide a reliable, auditable mechanism to enforce Federal law without unduly burdening or infringing on the rights of eligible voters,” noting that unique identifiers, like bar codes, will help confirm that ballots are cast only by citizens.

The order directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) to implement new regulations within 60 days, which include:

• Clearly marking envelopes as “Official Election Mail” with designated USPS markings, possibly including a logo.
• Applying a unique “Intelligent Mail barcode, or successor USPS technology” for tracking.
• Reviewing envelopes to ensure they meet USPS mailing standards.

Additionally, the USPS will collaborate with its Inspector General and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate any illegal use of mail-in ballots.

According to the order, an “eligible voter” is defined as a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old on election day and meets their state’s voting qualifications.

The executive order instructs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary to coordinate with the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to create a “State Citizenship List.” This list will include confirmed eligible voters and must be updated and provided to state election officials 60 days prior to each regular federal election. The DHS secretary is also tasked with setting up the necessary infrastructure for this list within 90 days.

“Voters deserve elections they can trust, and that confidence is being restored thanks to President Trump,” the White House commented in an accompanying fact sheet.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, had emphasized, “We will secure our elections, and they will be secure once and for all,” with the White House applauding the executive order for fulfilling this commitment.

“President Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a straightforward bill to ensure that only American citizens vote,” the administration added.

The bill, which passed in the House of Representatives in February, is currently under debate in the Senate. However, Republicans seem doubtful about securing the necessary 60 votes to bypass the filibuster.