In a significant legal move, Democratic officials from 19 states have launched a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on election procedures. They argue this order infringes upon states’ constitutional rights to manage their own elections independently.
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, challenges the executive order, which imposes new requirements such as proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandates that mail ballots be received by Election Day. The order, issued just last week, has already faced multiple legal challenges.
State attorneys general have strongly opposed the order, describing it as unconstitutional and antidemocratic. They emphasize that election administration is a state right, with the Constitution granting them the authority to decide election regulations. “The President has no power to do any of this,” the officials stated in court documents.
President Trump’s executive order claims it aims to enhance election security, citing issues of illegal voting. However, election officials and various investigations have consistently shown minimal evidence of widespread voter fraud. Some Republican state officials have endorsed the order, suggesting it could help prevent voter fraud by granting access to federal data.
The order also threatens to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply with its stipulations, such as excluding mail-in ballots received after Election Day. This has raised concerns among states that allow postmarked ballots to be counted or permit voters to rectify minor ballot errors.
New York Attorney General Letitia James denounced the order, stating, “We are a democracy – not a monarchy – and this executive order is an authoritarian power grab.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other state officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who criticized the order as an attempt to impose broad voting restrictions.
Nevada’s leaders have defended their election systems as secure and transparent. Attorney General Aaron Ford highlighted Nevada’s voter registration and mail ballot systems, criticizing the executive order as unnecessary and illegal.
The Democratic attorneys general of various states, including Arizona, California, and New York, stand united in this legal battle. They argue that many Americans lack immediate access to the required documents for proving citizenship, which could disenfranchise eligible voters.
As this legal contest unfolds, it brings to the forefront the ongoing debate over the balance of power between federal and state governments in election administration. The outcome could have significant implications for how elections are conducted across the United States.
—
Read More Michigan News
