Democrats Challenge Trump Order Restricting Mail-In Voting
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is facing a legal challenge from multiple states and the Democratic Party following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump aimed at tightening restrictions on mail-in voting. The move, announced Tuesday, seeks to establish a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and limit access to mail ballots ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, argues the Constitution grants authority over voter eligibility to states and Congress, not the president. Democrats contend the order represents a clear overreach of executive power and a continuation of Trump’s repeated attempts to undermine confidence in mail-in voting, a method widely used by American voters.
“President Trump has repeatedly tried to rewrite election rules for partisan advantage,” the lawsuit states.
Oregon and Arizona swiftly announced their intention to sue, citing concerns over federal interference in state election administration. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read stated, “We don’t need decrees from Washington, D.C. We’ll see you in court.” California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office echoed this sentiment, vowing to challenge the measure and protect voter access.
The executive order directs federal agencies to compile state-by-state voter rolls and instructs the U.S. Postal Service to only send ballots to those included on the list. It also calls for the Department of Homeland Security to develop databases of eligible voters in each state.
This is not the first time Trump has attempted to influence election rules through executive action. A similar order issued last year was blocked by multiple federal judges who deemed it likely unconstitutional.
Mail-in voting has a long history in the United States, dating back to the 1860s. Several states, including Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, now conduct elections almost entirely by mail. Trump has consistently claimed widespread fraud in mail-in voting, alleging that America’s elections are “rigged,” “stolen,” and a “laughingstock.”
The timing of the order, coming ahead of the crucial midterm elections, has raised concerns about its potential impact on the balance of power in Congress. The outcome of those elections will determine whether Republicans maintain control.
