Judge Allows Trump Mail-In Voting Executive Order to Move Forward

A US federal judge has declined to stop President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening rules around mail in voting, allowing the measure to move forward for now.

The order, signed on March 31, directs federal agencies to create state by state lists of confirmed US citizens eligible to vote. It also calls for federal data from the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to help states verify voter eligibility.

In addition, the order requires the US Postal Service to deliver ballots only to approved mail-in voter lists and directs states to preserve election-related records for five years.

Democrats Raise Concerns Over Voter Eligibility Data

Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, argued that outdated or incorrect federal records could wrongly remove eligible voters from registration lists and interfere with states’ constitutional authority over elections.

However, the judge ruled the legal challenge came too early, saying no federal agency had yet taken action that caused harm. The court said Democrats may seek another injunction once implementation begins.

A separate legal challenge by Democratic led states is scheduled for a hearing on June 2.