Judge refuses to block Trump executive order that limits mail voting
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge, Carl Nichols, declined to block President Trump's executive order establishing a federal voter list and restricting mail voting, allowing potential changes to election procedures ahead of the midterms.
- Nichols ruled it was premature to halt the order since it has not yet been implemented, but plaintiffs can renew their motions if future actions cause harm.
- Voting rights groups have filed a separate lawsuit in Boston seeking to temporarily block the order and are prepared to continue legal challenges if the administration proceeds.
- Trump issued the order after a voting overhaul bill stalled in Congress, aiming to create a federal voter list and limit mail ballots to those on it, despite concerns about potential abuse and chaos.
- The order follows Trump's unfounded claims of widespread mail voting fraud in the 2020 election and his efforts to influence election administration, particularly in Democratic areas.