In an exclusive order, US President Donald Trump signed an expansive executive order that will make alterations in the US election procedure, including a new requirement for voters to provide proof of citizenship while registering for elections. The order also states that all ballots must be received by Election Day.
While passing the orders, President Trump highlighted India and Brazil’s successful voter identification processes, where an individual’s identification is linked to biometric databases.
“India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship,” the order reads.
The US President’s mention of India while giving an example of fair elections clearly signifies how India has portrayed itself on the global stage, whether by conducting the largest election of the highly populated country and at the same time, conducting it free and fairly.
Let’s take a look at Indian election process
After the five-year term of the legislature, or even if the legislature has been dissolved, new elections are called, by which the Election Commission of India (ECI) puts into effect the electoral machinery to conduct the upcoming elections.
During the voting procedure, when an elector enters the polling station to cast his/her vote, the elector is checked against the electoral roll, verified by an identity document. After casting the vote, a small amount of indelible ink is applied to the left forefinger, and a voter slip is issued.
That’s how the Indian electoral system works, which allows transparency while preventing any sort of unfairness during the voting process.
Trump’s executive order
Since the 2020 election, Trump has repeatedly talked about certain voting procedures and claimed widespread fraud was to blame for his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
Following his continuous criticism of the US election process, Trump passed this latest amendment, mentioning that ‘the US has failed to enforce basic and necessary election protections,’ directing states to work with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes.
By mandating documentary proof of citizenship, the order indicates that the president is not waiting for congressional Republicans to pass the long-awaited Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which seeks to enforce the same requirement.
Republicans contend that this measure is essential to restoring public trust in elections. Noncitizens are already prohibited from voting in federal elections, with violations carrying felony charges and potential deportation.
Changes in US elections following Trump’s order
1. Voter Citizenship Verification
The order mandates that U.S. citizens provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote. It also requires recording details such as the document type, issue date, and expiration date to verify citizenship status.
2. State and Federal Coordination
States will gain access to federal databases to confirm voter citizenship. The Department of Justice will assist in reviewing voter registration lists to ensure compliance with federal citizenship requirements.
3. Enforcement of Non-Citizen Voting Laws
The order emphasizes strict enforcement of laws prohibiting non-citizens from registering or voting in federal elections. It calls for collaboration with state attorneys general to address cases of unlawful voting.
4. Voter Registration List Maintenance
States must keep voter registration lists accurate and up to date in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
5. Strengthening State Eligibility Verification
States will be granted access to federal databases, including the Social Security Number Verification and Death Master File, to verify voter eligibility. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense will update the Federal Post Card Application to include proof of citizenship and state voting eligibility requirements.
6. Election Assistance Commission Reforms
States that fail to comply with federal election laws, including requirements for documentary proof of citizenship, will lose federal funding. The order also mandates updates to voluntary voting system guidelines to prevent fraud and errors.
7. Prosecution of Election Crimes
The Attorney General will prioritize action against election-related crimes such as fraudulent registration and voter fraud. States are encouraged to share information on suspected violations to support enforcement efforts.
8. Voting System Security
The order prohibits non-citizens from participating in the administration of federal elections, including handling election equipment or ballots. It also calls for a review of electronic voting system security, particularly those connected to the internet, to prevent unauthorized access or interference.
9. Election Day Compliance
States must adhere to the federal Election Day deadline, ensuring ballots received after this date are not counted. Compliance with this rule will be a condition for receiving federal funding.
10. Preventing Foreign Interference
The order prioritizes efforts to block foreign interference in U.S. elections, including barring foreign nationals from influencing elections through financial contributions or other means. The Attorney General will enforce laws restricting foreign influence.
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