Washington: President Donald Trump has taken significant steps to reshape the country’s election system.
On Tuesday, he signed an executive order proposing broad changes, including mandatory proof of U.S. citizenship for voters.
requiring all mail-in and absentee ballots to be received by Election Day, and prohibiting non-citizens from making donations in certain elections.
Citing India and Other Countries as Examples
Trump argued that the United States has failed to implement fundamental election security measures that many modern nations, both developed and developing, have adopted.
He highlighted India and Brazil’s use of biometric-linked voter identification, contrasting it with the U.S.
It largely depends on self-attestation for citizenship verification.
Additionally, he pointed out that Germany and Canada rely on paper ballots for vote tabulation, ensuring a more secure process.
In contrast, the U.S. employs varied voting methods, some of which lack proper chain-of-custody protections.
Trump also compared mail-in voting practices, noting that countries like Denmark and Sweden restrict it to those who cannot vote in person and do not count late-arriving ballots.
In the U.S., however, many states allow widespread mail voting, including ballots received without postmarks or those arriving well after Election Day.
Donald Trump: Ensuring Fair Elections
Trump, who returned to office in January after defeating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, emphasized the importance of maintaining “free, fair, and honest elections” without fraud or suspicion.
He stated that American citizens must have confidence that their votes are properly counted and not diluted by illegitimate ballots.
Having questioned certain voting methods since his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Trump reiterated that elections must be “honest and worthy of public trust.”
Key Provisions of Trump’s Executive Order
Proof of Citizenship Requirement
The order mandates changes to the federal voter registration form, requiring prospective voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
It also calls for states to submit their voter lists and maintenance records to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency for review.
Furthermore, it directs federal agencies to share data with states to help identify non-citizens on voter rolls.
The order warns that states refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement on election-related crimes may risk losing federal funding.
Mail Ballots Must Arrive by Election Day: Donald Trump
The executive order stipulates that votes must be both cast and received by Election Day, making federal funding contingent on state compliance with this deadline.
Currently, 18 U.S. states, along with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., accept ballots postmarked by Election Day, even if they arrive later.
Eliminating QR Codes in Ballots
To enhance election security, Trump’s order directs the Election Assistance Commission to revise its guidelines for voting systems.
It specifically instructs that ballots should not rely on barcodes or QR codes during the counting process.
The commission has been tasked with reviewing and potentially re-certifying voting systems under these new standards within six months.
Banning Foreign Donations in Elections
Another key provision of the order prohibits foreign nationals from making financial contributions to U.S. elections.
Trump asserted that loopholes in existing laws have allowed foreign individuals and organizations to channel millions of dollars into U.S. elections through indirect contributions and ballot initiative expenditures.
He argued that such foreign involvement undermines American citizens’ right to govern their own country.
With this sweeping executive order, Trump aims to implement stricter election integrity measures, reshaping the voting process in the United States.