President Donald Trump has signed one of the most sweeping executive orders in modern U.S. history targeting federal election practices.
Framed as a push to restore trust and tighten security, the 11-section directive covers everything from voter ID to digital infrastructure, and has already sparked fierce debate.
Here are the 5 most significant changes outlined in the order:
1. Citizenship Proof Is Now Required to Register for Federal Elections
Trump’s order mandates that anyone registering to vote in federal elections must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. That includes a passport, REAL ID, military ID, or other verified government-issued documentation. States will be required to update their registration systems and collect this data through the federal form. The Department of Homeland Security and SSA are tasked with supporting this verification process.
2. Ballots Must Arrive by Election Day, No Exceptions
Federal law already sets a uniform Election Day, but Trump’s order reinforces it with teeth. Ballots received after Election Day, even if postmarked on time, can no longer be counted in federal races. The administration likens accepting late-arriving mail ballots to letting someone vote after election results are in. States that do not comply could lose access to federal election funding.
3. Federal Aid Tied to Election Compliance
The Election Assistance Commission will now withhold funds from states that fail to comply with federal election laws and new ID requirements. States using outdated or uncertified voting systems risk losing certification unless they align with new standards prioritizing paper records and voter-verifiable ballots.
4. DOJ Crackdown on Non-Citizen Voting and Election Fraud
The Department of Justice is ordered to prioritize investigations into non-citizen registration and voting. Trump’s order demands cross-agency coordination using DHS immigration databases, state-issued IDs, and SSA records. States that do not agree to share voter information with the DOJ may lose federal law enforcement grants.
5. Ban on Foreign Influence and Tightening of Voting Tech Security
The executive order pushes for aggressive enforcement against foreign nationals making campaign donations or funding ballot initiatives through proxies. At the same time, DHS is required to review the cybersecurity of all internet-connected election systems and report vulnerabilities.
While the administration touts the order as a necessary overhaul to protect election integrity, critics say it opens the door to voter suppression and overreach. With the 2026 midterms looming, states and election officials are scrambling to respond, either by adapting quickly or preparing legal challenges.
Whether this reshapes elections for decades or sparks the next courtroom battle, one thing is clear: the rules of voting in America may be about to change, fast.
