Dems sue Trump administration over its demand voters show proof of citizenship
Washington D.C.: The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and top lawmakers filed a lawsuit on March 31 against former President Donald Trump, challenging a recent executive order aimed at enforcing laws related to illegal voting and election dates.
The lawsuit, submitted in federal court in Washington by Democratic attorney Marc Elias, argues that the executive order unlawfully alters election procedures, jeopardizing voting rights. The order, issued on March 25, includes provisions that require proof of US citizenship for mail voter registration, direct the Department of Government Efficiency to review voter rolls for noncitizens, and mandate prosecution of illegal voters. It also prohibits states from counting mailed ballots received after Election Day and threatens to withhold federal election funding from non-compliant states.
Democratic leaders argue that the US Constitution grants states the authority to regulate elections, though Congress can override state laws in some cases. The lawsuit contends that the executive order oversteps presidential authority and improperly influences the independent Election Assistance Commission, which oversees federal election administration. Under current law, applicants can affirm their citizenship through a signed declaration rather than official documentation such as a passport.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) are co-plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They are urging the court to declare the order unconstitutional and prevent its implementation.
In response, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended the order, stating it ensures fair and legal elections. He criticized Democratic opposition as politically motivated and detrimental to election integrity.
Separately, advocacy organizations have filed another lawsuit opposing the order, arguing that it disrupts established election systems and could suppress voter participation.