US government reforms election regulations

Republican lawmakers have long sought to require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. However, a previous Supreme Court ruling forced states to accept the federal voter registration form issued by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), which does not require proof of citizenship.

However, Mr. Trump’s executive order directs the EAC to amend the application form, adding a requirement to provide documentation proving citizenship. At the same time, states that do not comply with this regulation could have their federal election funding cut.

US President Donald Trump. Photo: White House

EAC Chairman Donald Palmer said the agency is reviewing the President's order and will determine next steps to enhance transparency and security in elections.

In addition to regulating the registration process, Trump’s order also directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review voter rolls and identify foreigners who may have registered to vote. The lists will then be forwarded to state and local officials for processing.

The order is seen as a major step forward in Republicans' efforts to overhaul the electoral system, based on allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election—despite the lack of evidence.

Despite the controversy, conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation welcomed the order. "President Trump is finally taking the necessary steps to help states protect election integrity, rather than allowing the federal government to impede those efforts," said Hans von Spakovsky, head of the organization's Election Law Reform Initiative.

In addition to the citizenship requirement, Mr. Trump’s order also directs the Justice Department to take enforcement action against states that accept mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. About 20 states, including key battleground states, currently allow late mail-in ballots if they are postmarked by Election Day.

Republicans have filed multiple lawsuits to limit the practice in the 2024 election, but have been unsuccessful. Now, Trump is using executive power to do so, which could lead to fierce legal battles ahead.

Cao Phong (according to Fox, CNN, WH)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chinh-quyen-my-cai-to-quy-dinh-bau-cu-post340102.html