A federal judge has permanently blocked an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that would have required individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that the executive order exceeded the president’s authority and conflicted with existing federal election laws. Her decision prevents the policy from being implemented nationwide.
The executive order had directed federal agencies to require documentary proof of citizenship as part of voter registration for federal contests. Supporters argued the measure was necessary to protect election integrity, while critics said it risked disenfranchising eligible voters.
In her ruling, Judge Kollar-Kotelly emphasized that Congress, not the executive branch, holds primary authority over federal election procedures. She noted that changes to voter registration requirements must be enacted through legislation rather than executive action.
The decision represents a significant legal setback for the administration’s election-related agenda and ensures that current voter registration rules for federal elections will remain in place unless Congress acts to change them.