Trump signs order to restrict mail-in ballots in probably unconstitutional move

The Guardian • March 31, 2026 • general

Key Points:

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to compile a national verified voter file and restricting mail-in ballot use, a move widely considered unconstitutional.
The order requires states to notify the USPS of voters intending to receive mail-in ballots and prohibits ballots to those not on a USPS-approved list, despite no evidence of widespread mail-in voter fraud.
Legal experts and election officials argue the executive order exceeds presidential authority, as the Constitution grants states the power to set election rules, and similar past attempts have been struck down by courts.
Implementation challenges include unclear procedures for verifying voter residency and timing conflicts with federal voter registration deadlines, raising concerns about disenfranchising eligible voters.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer vowed legal opposition, signaling imminent court battles over the order’s legality.

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