A coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 19 states has sued US President Donald Trump over his recent executive order on voting, calling it an unconstitutional overreach that threatens state control over elections.
The lawsuit, filed in a Massachusetts federal court, argues that Trump’s order violates the Constitution by imposing new voting restrictions, including proof-of-citizenship requirements and strict deadlines for mail-in ballots.
As per the news agency Associated Press, the lawsuit states, “The President has no power to do any of this. The Elections EO is unconstitutional, antidemocratic, and un-American.” It seeks to block key provisions of the order, including a requirement that voters provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering and a rule mandating that all mail-in ballots be received by Election Day.
Trump, who has long questioned the legitimacy of US elections, claims the order is necessary to prevent voter fraud. However, election officials and multiple studies have found no evidence of widespread fraud.
According to NPR.org, past audits have shown that cases of noncitizens voting are extremely rare.
New York attorney general Letitia James condemned the order, calling it “an authoritarian power grab.” Rhode Island attorney general Peter Neronha added that Trump was attempting to “undermine elections and sidestep Congress.”
The lawsuit, backed by officials from states including California, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin, argues that Trump’s order unlawfully forces states to change their election laws or risk losing federal funding.
California attorney general Rob Bonta accused Trump of trying to impose “sweeping voting restrictions” that could disenfranchise millions.
Despite legal challenges, the order has been praised by some Republican officials, who argue it will improve election security. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans have introduced legislation to codify Trump’s measures into law.
