Federal Judge Blocks Proof of Citizenship Requirement for Voter Registration

A federal judge has ruled against provisions of President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to require proof of citizenship on voter registration forms. This landmark decision has significant implications for election administration and voting rights across the nation.

Why It Matters

This ruling reaffirms the constitutional principle that election procedures should be determined by individual states and Congress, rather than imposed unilaterally by the President. The decision enhances protections for voters, particularly military families and low-income individuals, and underscores ongoing debates about election security and access to the ballot.

Key Developments

• U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked two key provisions of Trump’s executive order aimed at imposing proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration.
• The judge emphasized that the Constitution prohibits the President from making unilateral changes to federal election practices.
• The ruling prevents federal agencies from assessing citizenship status when providing voter registration through public assistance programs.
• It restricts the Secretary of Defense from demanding documentary proof of citizenship for military personnel registering to vote or requesting ballots.
• The White House maintains that ensuring only citizens can vote is a necessary measure for election security and intends to appeal the ruling.

Full Report

Judicial Ruling

In a significant legal development, Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s ruling permanently prohibits certain federal agencies from requiring proof of citizenship as part of voter registration. The judge’s opinion highlighted the separation of powers as a cornerstone of U.S. governance, asserting that the Constitution explicitly assigns states the authority to regulate elections. “Our Constitution does not allow the President to impose unilateral changes to federal election procedures,” Kollar-Kotelly stated.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

Danielle Lang, a voting rights expert with the Campaign Legal Center, which represented the plaintiffs, emphasized the ruling’s importance for democratic engagement. “Our democracy works best when all Americans can participate, including members of our military and their families living overseas,” she remarked. The decision was hailed as a critical safeguard against potential barriers to voting for military families abroad.

White House Response

In the wake of the ruling, the White House expressed its disappointment, emphasizing the administration’s belief in the necessity of verifying citizenship as part of the voting process. Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman for the White House, articulated that “ensuring only citizens vote in our elections is a commonsense measure that everyone should be able to support.” She affirmed the administration’s intention to fight the ruling and pursue a favorable outcome on the matter.

Context & Previous Events

This ruling adds to a series of setbacks for Trump’s executive order concerning election procedures, which has been challenged through various lawsuits. Previous legal disputes have also resulted in limitations on the administration’s efforts to implement proof of citizenship at different stages of the voter registration process. In October, Judge Kollar-Kotelly had already issued a decision blocking the addition of a proof-of-citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form as part of safeguarding accessible voting practices across the country.