Trump says he will sign executive order requiring voter ID
Here’s what’s happening:
As of late August 31 and September 1, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order mandating voter ID for every single vote, with “NO EXCEPTIONS!”, as he put it in a Truth Social post. Mail-in voting would be banned except for those who are “very ill” or active military members stationed remotely. ReutersThe GuardianWall Street Journal
Constitutional and Legal Context
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Limits on Presidential Authority
The U.S. Constitution delegates the regulation of elections primarily to state governments, with some authority for Congress. The President does not have constitutional authority to unilaterally impose nationwide voting rules. ReutersThe GuardianWall Street Journal -
History of Court Challenges
Trump’s March 2025 executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration was largely blocked by a federal judge, who ruled the president had exceeded constitutional authority. Wall Street JournalThe White HouseTIME -
Legal Experts’ Consensus
Constitutional scholars warn that focusing voting access on voter ID laws can disenfranchise marginalized groups, including minorities, seniors, low-income individuals, students, and those with disabilities. The Brennan Center estimates up to 11% of eligible voters lack the necessary ID, with a higher share among these vulnerable demographics. The Guardian+1WikipediaIndia Today
What to Expect Next
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Immediate Legal Challenges Likely
Based on past precedent, Trump's proposed new executive order is expected to face rapid legal challenges. Courts consistently uphold that election regulation is the domain of states and Congress, not the executive branch. ReutersThe GuardianWall Street Journal -
Persistent Concerns Over Voter Access
Critics point out that ID laws—even in the 36 states where such requirements exist—often impose undue burdens and don’t necessarily improve election security, given the extremely low incidence of in-person voter fraud. Wall Street JournalThe GuardianWikipedia
Summary Table
Key Element | Details |
---|---|
Action Announced | Executive order requiring voter ID for every vote; restrict mail-in voting to exceptions. |
Why It Matters | Could significantly alter voting access and provoke court battles. |
Legal Concerns | Oversteps presidential authority; raises constitutional questions; likely to be blocked. |
Impact on Voters | Would disproportionately affect marginalized and vulnerable populations. |
Let me know if you'd like to explore this further—perhaps the likely court implications, how different states might respond, or what this means ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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