Former US President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order on Tuesday, bringing major changes to the country’s electoral process. Under this new order, US citizenship will now be mandatory for voting in federal elections. This means that voters will be required to provide citizenship documents during registration. Trump stated that the goal of this move is to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Citing India and Brazil as Examples
While signing the order, Trump cited India and Brazil as examples. He said, “Countries like India and Brazil are linking voter IDs to biometric databases, while the US still relies on self-verification for citizenship confirmation.” Trump emphasized the need for the US to adopt a modern and secure electoral system.
Citizenship Proof Now Compulsory
According to Trump’s executive order, US citizens will now have to present documents such as passports, birth certificates, or citizenship proof during voter registration. This rule will apply specifically to federal elections. Additionally, the order mandates that all ballots must be received by Election Day, aiming to prevent any potential irregularities in the voting process.
Strict Stance on Mail-in Voting
Trump has also taken a strict stance on mail-in voting. He has repeatedly alleged voter fraud in mail-in ballots, although no concrete evidence was found in the past. The new order states that election irregularities have compromised the US’s ability to ensure electoral security. Therefore, federal agencies will now be authorized to share data with election officials to help identify non-citizens.
Opposition Criticism: Threat to Democracy
Trump’s order has faced strong criticism from Democrats and voter rights organizations. Jena Griswold, Colorado’s Secretary of State, called the order “illegal” and argued that it would disenfranchise eligible American citizens. Democrats claim that requiring citizenship proof will make it harder for poor, elderly, and minority groups to vote, as they may not have easy access to citizenship documents.
Discrimination in the Name of Fair Elections?
Civil rights activists have also condemned the order, labeling it discriminatory. They argue that it could potentially suppress racial and ethnic minorities from voting. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described the move as an attempt at voter suppression.
Trump’s Strategy for the 2024 Election
Trump is preparing to run for president again in 2024, making this order a key part of his campaign. He has consistently raised concerns about electoral fraud, especially after losing the 2020 election, where he repeatedly alleged voter irregularities.
Move Toward Biometric Voting?
Experts believe that Trump’s order could be the first step toward biometric voting in the US. Referring to India’s Aadhaar card-linked voter ID system, Trump argued that the US should implement similar reforms to prevent voter fraud.
Increased Focus on Election Security
The Trump administration’s decision is seen as a significant step toward enhancing election security and transparency. However, it is expected to face legal challenges in multiple states. Democrats argue that the order could infringe on the voting rights of millions of Americans.
Emphasis on Logistics and Data Sharing
Trump’s order directs election officials to collaborate with federal agencies for data sharing. This will help in identifying non-citizens and ensure transparency in the voting process. Additionally, all ballots must be received by Election Day to prevent fraudulent ballots from being counted later.
Far-Reaching Consequences of the Order
Trump’s order is expected to impact the US electoral system significantly. If implemented, US voters will be required to present citizenship proof to cast their ballots. While this could make the voting process more complex, Trump believes it will make elections more transparent and fair.
Donald Trump’s new order marks a major shift in the US electoral process. By making citizenship proof mandatory for voting in federal elections, the order aims to curb voter fraud. However, it has sparked strong opposition from Democrats and voter rights organizations. The order is viewed as part of Trump’s political strategy for the 2024 presidential election. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact US politics and its electoral system in the long run.
