By ALI SWENSON and CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping govt motion to overtake elections within the U.S., together with requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and demanding that each one ballots be obtained by Election Day.
The order says the U.S. has failed “to enforce basic and necessary election protections” and calls on states to work with federal companies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes. It threatens to tug federal funding from states the place election officers who don’t comply.
The transfer, which is more likely to face swift challenges from voting rights organizations, is in keeping with Trump’s lengthy historical past of railing in opposition to election processes. He typically claims elections are being rigged, even earlier than the outcomes are recognized, and has waged battles in opposition to sure voting strategies since he misplaced the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden and falsely blamed it on widespread fraud.
Trump has centered significantly on mail voting, arguing with out proof that it’s insecure and invitations fraud whilst he has shifted his place on the problem given its recognition with voters, together with Republicans. Whereas fraud happens, it’s uncommon, restricted in scope and will get prosecuted.
After signing, Trump stated that extra election actions can be taken in coming weeks.
