Federal Judge Deals Blow to Trump's Voter Registration Reform Efforts
A federal judge in Washington has dealt a significant blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to reform voter registration rules, blocking certain federal agencies from requesting citizenship status when distributing voter registration forms.
In a ruling that upholds the separation of powers, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has permanently blocked two provisions of Trump's executive order aimed at imposing proof-of-citizenship rules. The judge's decision means that federal agencies cannot "assess citizenship" before providing a federal voter registration form to people enrolling in public assistance programs.
The ruling also blocks the Secretary of Defense from requiring documentary proof of citizenship when military personnel register to vote or request ballots. Voting rights experts say this is a major victory for democracy, as it ensures that all Americans can participate in the electoral process without fear of being disenfranchised.
Trump's executive order was intended to ensure "election security," but critics argue that it unfairly targets vulnerable populations, including military personnel and their families living overseas. Research has shown that voting by noncitizens is a rare problem, and many state officials have disputed the need for such reforms.
The ruling is just one of several setbacks for Trump's executive order, which has faced multiple lawsuits. The decision marks another significant blow to the president's efforts to reform voter registration rules, and it highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary on issues of election law.
A federal judge in Washington has dealt a significant blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to reform voter registration rules, blocking certain federal agencies from requesting citizenship status when distributing voter registration forms.
In a ruling that upholds the separation of powers, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has permanently blocked two provisions of Trump's executive order aimed at imposing proof-of-citizenship rules. The judge's decision means that federal agencies cannot "assess citizenship" before providing a federal voter registration form to people enrolling in public assistance programs.
The ruling also blocks the Secretary of Defense from requiring documentary proof of citizenship when military personnel register to vote or request ballots. Voting rights experts say this is a major victory for democracy, as it ensures that all Americans can participate in the electoral process without fear of being disenfranchised.
Trump's executive order was intended to ensure "election security," but critics argue that it unfairly targets vulnerable populations, including military personnel and their families living overseas. Research has shown that voting by noncitizens is a rare problem, and many state officials have disputed the need for such reforms.
The ruling is just one of several setbacks for Trump's executive order, which has faced multiple lawsuits. The decision marks another significant blow to the president's efforts to reform voter registration rules, and it highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary on issues of election law.