Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order requiring voter identification for all U.S. elections. He insists, “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS!” This statement, shared on Truth Social, suggests a major shift in how voting is handled. Trump also aims to ban mail-in voting, except for those who are severely ill or in the military.
This push for identification stems from Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Interestingly, he misrepresented mail-in voting, claiming the U.S. is the only nation that uses it. In reality, numerous countries allow some form of mail-in voting.
According to experts, the U.S. Constitution grants states the main authority to regulate elections. Congress can create laws related to voting, but the president lacks explicit power to dictate such regulations. Legal experts predict challenges in courts if Trump goes through with this order.
Voter ID laws are not new. Thirty-six states currently require some form of identification at the polls. However, these laws tend to disproportionately affect minorities and low-income individuals. The Brennan Center for Justice found that about 11% of eligible voters lack the ID required by states with strict laws. This number rises among seniors and disabled voters.
Historically, Trump has voted by mail himself and won several states where mail-in voting is common. In the 2024 elections, over 30% of voters in 14 states and Washington, D.C., voted by mail, including states where Trump won significantly.
Furthermore, a 2025 attempt to mandate proof of citizenship for voters faced legal hurdles, as it risked disenfranchising millions. Enforcement of Trump’s proposed identification requirement could affect tens of millions of voters, especially those registering for the first time or updating their information. Notably, about 146 million Americans do not hold a U.S. passport.
In conclusion, Trump’s proposals reflect ongoing debates about voting rights in America. As laws evolve, it’s essential to consider their broader impacts on democracy and accessibility. For more information on voter rights and protections, check out the Brennan Center for Justice.
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