President Trump signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration, requiring all ballots to arrive by Election Day, and limiting non-citizen donations in elections. The administration cites international examples, asserting that U.S. election security lags behind that of countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Canada.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing significant changes to the United States electoral process. This order mandates that documentary proof of citizenship is required for voter registration in federal elections. Furthermore, it stipulates that all ballots must be received by Election Day and prohibits non-U.S. citizens from contributing to specific elections.
During his announcement, President Trump emphasized the necessity for integrity in elections, stating, “We are going to have free and fair elections. And ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting, proof of citizenship, very big, and voter ID, very simple.” He further affirmed, “We will secure our elections, and they will be secure once and for all.”
The White House, in its rationale, pointed out that the U.S. “lags behind” other countries regarding essential election protections. It cited examples such as India and Brazil, which incorporate voter identification linked to a biometric database, contrasting it with the U.S. approach of largely depending on self-attestation for citizenship.
Moreover, the White House compared U.S. voting methods unfavorably with those in Germany and Canada, highlighting their requirement for paper ballots and stricter chain-of-custody protections. It also referenced Denmark and Sweden, which sensibly limit mail-in voting to individuals unable to vote in person and disregard late ballots, unlike the U.S. system that allows significant mail-in voting even after Election Day.
In summary, President Trump’s executive order signifies a pivotal shift in the electoral landscape of the United States, aiming to enhance the integrity and security of elections. His call for proof of citizenship, paper ballots, and limited mail-in voting reflects an urgent response to perceived deficiencies in the current system compared to international practices. As the administration seeks to improve electoral processes, these proposed changes may reshape how voting is conducted in the future.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
