Illegal Executive Order Would Make it Harder for Everyone to Vote

Yesterday, in yet another act of executive overreach, Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to disenfranchise millions of voters. Among other changes, the order would require voters to have documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport, to register to vote in federal elections. By threatening to withhold federal funding, the order also pressures states to impose a similar requirement for state elections and stop counting any mail ballots received after Election Day.

“All credible reports about U.S. elections have made clear time and again that our elections are safe and secure, thanks to robust system of checks and balances and the hard work of election officials, poll workers, and advocates,” said Taifa Smith Butler, President and CEO of Dēmos. “If anything, our election infrastructure should be better funded so that eligible voters experience fewer barriers to voting, not more. Less than half of American adults possess a valid passport, and millions lack access to a paper copy of their birth certificate. This order would do nothing but make it harder for voters to make their voices heard.  

“This attempt to suppress voters is a plain overreach of executive authority usurping both Congressional authority and state powers to regulate elections. The executive order violates federal voting rights protections and will likely disproportionately impact voters of color. Notably, opponents of voting rights have made it clear that they are trying to silence certain groups of voters, in particular Black and brown communities, because they think that gives them an electoral advantage. 

“Instead of continuing the alarmist, divisive, and extreme approach to elections, this administration would do better to defend democratic institutions and make it so that everyone can be heard at the ballot box.”