Trump’s Executive Order: Overhauling U.S. Elections Inspired by Global Practices
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reform the U.S. election process, inspired by voter ID systems in countries like India and Brazil. Key changes include mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration, enforcing laws against non-citizen voting, ensuring accurate voter registration lists, and bolstering election security. The order aims to prevent fraud and foreign interference in elections, stressing the importance of free and fair electoral processes.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reforming the U.S. election process, drawing inspiration from voter ID systems in countries like India and Brazil. He emphasized the urgency to ensure accurate vote counting safeguarded against fraud and illegal interference. Trump criticized the U.S. for failing to implement essential election protections that are common in various nations, stating, “India and Brazil… are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.”
The executive order outlines several key changes to the election process. First, it necessitates that U.S. citizens provide documentary proof of citizenship during voter registration, recording critical details such as document type and expiration date. Second, the coordination between state and federal governments will be enhanced by granting states access to federal databases to verify voter citizenship, with support from the Department of Justice to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Moreover, the order mandates the strict enforcement of laws that prevent non-citizens from voting, urging cooperation with state attorneys general to combat unlawful voting practices. States are also required to maintain accurate voter registration lists, adhering to existing federal regulations. Additionally, states will have access to federal databases like the Social Security Number Verification and Death Master File for voter eligibility verification.
Furthermore, the executive order stipulates that non-compliance with federal election laws will result in a loss of federal funding for those states. Provisions will be made to reform the Election Assistance Commission to strengthen fraud prevention. The attorney general is tasked with prioritizing the prosecution of election crimes, while states are encouraged to share information on electoral violations.
In terms of election security, the order prohibits non-citizens from participating in federal elections’ administration and calls for a review of the security of electronic voting systems to avert unauthorized access. States must comply with the federal Election Day deadlines, preventing the counting of late ballots, which is tied to eligibility for federal funding. To prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections, the order emphasizes the prohibition on foreign nationals influencing elections through contributions, with the attorney general responsible for enforcing these restrictions.
In conclusion, President Donald Trump’s executive order seeks to significantly reform the U.S. election process by enhancing voter verification, enforcing stricter laws against non-citizen participation, and improving election security. By implementing these measures, the administration aims to ensure fair and honest elections that accurately reflect the will of the American people while safeguarding against fraud and interference.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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