19 States Unite Against Trump’s Voting Executive Order: A Legal Challenge to Its Constitutionality

Nineteen states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his recent executive order on voting. They argue that his actions are unconstitutional and could block millions from voting.

The lawsuit is led by Democratic attorneys general from several states, including California and New York. They claim the order attempts to take control of elections from states and change election laws without proper approval. This challenge is not the only one; four lawsuits have been initiated against this order.

New York Attorney General Letitia James voiced her concerns, stating, "We are a democracy — not a monarchy." She believes the executive order puts the president’s quest for power over the rights of the public.

Trump’s order requires that anyone registering to vote must show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. If states don’t comply with this requirement, they could lose federal funding. This has raised fears among many that these changes could lead to confusion and chaos in voting processes across the country.

A significant point of disagreement comes from the way mail-in ballots are handled. The executive order seeks to prevent states from counting ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they are postmarked on that day. Currently, 18 states have rules allowing these ballots to be counted.

Experts argue that requiring proof of citizenship may disproportionately affect low-income individuals. A recent survey indicated that over 21 million American adults lack easy access to citizenship documents. This presents a barrier that could disenfranchise many voters.

In the context of past elections, claims of widespread fraud have emerged repeatedly. Yet, studies show that such occurrences are rare. Noncitizen voting is extremely limited, and those attempting to vote illegally face severe penalties, including deportation.

Amid all this, some Republican lawmakers propose new legislation that would align with Trump’s executive order. They are pushing for stricter voting laws to ensure that only citizens can vote.

As the 2024 election approaches, reactions have been mixed on social media. Some users are concerned about the legality of the executive order, while others support it, fearing noncitizen involvement. The debate continues, shaping the future of voting rights in the U.S.

To understand more about the ongoing voting rights issues and the implications of executive orders, you can explore resources from the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Check out this related article: Global Leaders Strategize Response to Trump’s Latest Tariffs: Key Insights and Next Steps – DW 04/04/2025