Trump revamps US voting system; mandates citizenship proof like India's
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to overhaul the country's electoral process. The directive requires voters to provide proof of American citizenship, only mail or absentee ballots received by Election Day will be counted, and that non-US citizens cannot donate to certain elections. The order, titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," was signed on Tuesday at the White House.
Global examples
Trump cites India, Brazil for voter ID practices
In his order, he cited India and Brazil as examples of countries that have connected voter ID to a biometric database, while the US, despite pioneering self-government, largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship. President Trump also noted Germany and Canada's use of paper ballots in vote counting, slamming America's "patchwork" approach that frequently lacks basic chain-of-custody protections. "Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic," he said.
Voting systems
Mail-in voting practices also come under scrutiny
Trump's executive order cited countries such as Denmark and Sweden as examples for restricting mail-in voting only to those who are not able to vote in person, and not accounting for late-arriving votes irrespective of postmark date. He said that many American elections now have mass voting by mail, with officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received after Election Day.
Citizenship proof
Trump's order mandates proof of citizenship for voting
Through his executive order, Trump mandated that the federal voter registration form be modified to include a request for documentary proof of citizenship from potential voters. This may include a US passport or birth certificate. States will be required to send their voter lists and records of voter list maintenance to the DHS and the Department of Government Efficiency for review. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, 1996.
Election day
Trump's executive order demands timely voting
Under the executive order, votes have to be "cast and received" by Election Day. Federal funding will depend on the states meeting this deadline. As per the National Conference of State Legislatures, 18 US states, along with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington DC, will count ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day, irrespective of when they arrive.
Foreign influence
Trump prohibits foreign donations to US elections
Trump's executive order also bars foreign nationals from contributing to US elections. He said that "foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law's interpretation," and spent millions through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures. President Trump contended that such foreign interference undermines the franchise and right of Americans to govern their Republic.