Democratic officials in Colorado and 18 other states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, calling it an unconstitutional overreach that undermines states’ rights to manage elections. The order includes requirements for documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and mandating that all mail ballots be received by Election Day.
The White House defended the order, stating that proof-of-citizenship requirements are necessary for free and fair elections. Trump’s order claims to address election protection failures, despite officials stating recent elections are secure with no widespread fraud.
The lawsuit argues that Trump’s order is an authoritarian power grab, violating states’ authority to set their own election rules. Some Republican states have praised the order for potentially preventing voter fraud. However, Democratic officials argue the order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, as not all citizens have easy access to the required documents.
The lawsuit, filed by Democratic attorneys general from 19 states, challenges the constitutionality of the order and its potential impact on voter access. They assert that Trump lacks the authority to interfere in states’ election processes. The order also threatens states with the loss of federal funding if not followed.
Overall, the legal challenge highlights the ongoing debate over election integrity, with Democrats asserting that the order imposes unnecessary restrictions and disenfranchisement of voters, while Republicans argue it is essential for protecting election integrity. The lawsuit underscores the contentious issue of federal versus state authority in election administration.
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