Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday aiming to reform the federal electoral system ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The order mandates several key changes:
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Proof of Citizenship Requirement: Voters must now provide documented proof of U.S. citizenship when registering for federal elections. Trump says this aims to prevent voter fraud and ensure only eligible citizens vote .
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Deadline for Ballot Receipt: All ballots, including those mailed, must be received by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted, eliminating post-election ballot arrivals .
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Federal Data Sharing: Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration are directed to share data with state election officials to help identify ineligible voters and update rolls .
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Withholding Federal Funding: States that fail to comply with these directives may face suspension of certain federal funds, creating strong incentives for local adherence .
