Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections
Summary
This executive order aims to enhance the integrity of American elections by addressing issues such as non-citizen voting, late-arriving ballots, and foreign interference. It mandates stricter enforcement of existing federal laws related to voter eligibility and election procedures. The order also seeks to improve the security of voting systems and ensure compliance with federal election day standards.
Expected Effects
The order will likely lead to changes in voter registration processes, potentially requiring more stringent proof of citizenship. States may face increased scrutiny and potential loss of federal funding if they do not comply with the order's directives regarding voter list maintenance and ballot deadlines. Additionally, the Department of Justice will prioritize the prosecution of election crimes, particularly those involving non-citizens and foreign interference.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced potential for voter fraud through stricter citizenship verification.
- Increased confidence in election outcomes due to improved security measures.
- More uniform application of federal election laws across states.
- Enhanced accuracy of voter registration lists by removing ineligible voters.
- Greater transparency in the voting process with the promotion of voter-verified paper records.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters due to stricter ID requirements.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for states to comply with the new mandates.
- Possible legal challenges from states or organizations that disagree with the order's interpretation of federal law.
- Risk of decreased voter turnout if stricter rules deter eligible citizens from voting.
- Concerns about federal overreach into state election administration.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The executive order cites the Constitution's delegation of election administration to the states, while asserting federal authority to enforce laws protecting voting rights (Article I, Section 4). It also references specific federal statutes, such as the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act, suggesting an attempt to operate within existing legal frameworks. However, the extent of federal intervention in state election processes could raise concerns about federalism and the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The order's emphasis on preventing non-citizen voting aligns with the principle of ensuring that only citizens participate in elections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).