A federal judge has permanently blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that would have required proof of citizenship for individuals to register to vote in federal elections. U.S. District Judge Denise Casper issued the ruling, stating that the president lacks the authority to oversee elections.
The executive order, issued in June 2026, aimed to ensure only eligible citizens could vote in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship during the voter registration process. This move by the Trump administration sought to address concerns about voter fraud, though evidence of widespread fraud remains scarce.
Judge Casper's decision found that the executive order exceeded the president's constitutional authority. The ruling reinforces the established framework where election administration is largely delegated to states, with specific federal oversight limited by law. This permanent injunction prevents the implementation of the order, maintaining the existing voter registration procedures that do not mandate such a proof of citizenship requirement at the federal level.