Democrats have taken legal action against President Donald Trump’s executive order that aims to centralize federal control over US elections.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, argues that Trump’s order, titled ‘Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,’ is an unconstitutional power grab that infringes on states’ rights and imposes new voting requirements like proof of citizenship and changes to ballot deadlines.
Legal Challenge and Opposition
The suit, joined by most of the Democratic party’s fundraising and campaign infrastructure, as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, denounces Trump’s order as anti-democratic.
According to Schumer and Jeffries, the legal action is necessary to prevent what they see as an illegal overreach that undermines democracy.
Response from the White House
The White House has yet to respond to the lawsuit, which targets various government bodies and officials, including Cabinet secretaries, federal agencies, and the Election Assistance Commission.
Trump’s order mandates adding proof of citizenship to the national voter registration form and imposes restrictions on mail-in voting, requiring ballots to be received by Election Day.
Democrats’ Argument
The Democrats challenging the order assert that the President lacks the authority to unilaterally alter election procedures across states. They emphasize the importance of upholding states’ rights in administering elections.
The legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the 2020 election and the broader debate on election integrity and federal oversight.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the future of US election administration hangs in the balance, with both political parties closely watching the legal proceedings.
