President Trump has signed an executive order mandating that the U.S. Postal Service only mail absentee/mail-in ballots to an approved list of eligible voters, requiring states to provide lists of these voters 60 days before federal elections. This order, titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” also mandates that ballots be clearly marked and requires the U.S. attorney general to prosecute officials who issue ballots to ineligible individuals, with federal funding withheld from non-compliant governments. Four Democratic groups, along with Senate and House Minority Leaders, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this executive order, arguing it restricts voting rights and exceeds federal authority. Meanwhile, analysis of the earliest filing deadline states shows a downward trend in open legislative seats and an upward trend in contested incumbents for 2026. Additionally, Kentucky voters will decide on a ballot amendment in November to limit the governor’s pardon power, prohibiting its exercise within a specified period around gubernatorial elections.
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New Hampshire’s Secretary of State, David Scanlan, has stated that the state will not alter its election practices in response to President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. Scanlan emphasized that the federal government cannot override New Hampshire’s constitutional authority to conduct elections and that the state’s existing procedures ensure election security and transparency. This stance reaffirms New Hampshire’s long-held position that states, not the federal government, determine election rules and processes, particularly regarding voter registration and ballot accessibility.
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In the Oval Office, the President expressed a desire for voter ID and proof of citizenship in elections, suggesting these will be subjects for future discussion. This follows a previous executive order aimed at altering state election procedures, which faced judicial challenges and partial blocking, including a directive to withhold federal funds from states refusing to comply. Several states have voiced strong opposition to what they perceive as presidential interference in state-run election matters, a stance that aligns with the President’s past calls for “nationalizing” elections despite the Constitution granting states authority over them.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and restrict mail-in voting, a move that drew swift legal threats from state Democratic officials. The order, which experts say violates the Constitution by usurting states’ election powers, directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile voter lists and bars the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to those not on approved lists. Despite claims of widespread fraud, which have been debunked, the order seeks to centralize election administration, prompting accusations of an unconstitutional power grab.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at tightening voting rules, specifically targeting mail-in ballots by requiring the creation of eligible voter lists and barring the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to those not on these lists. This action has prompted immediate backlash and legal challenges from states like Oregon and Arizona, which rely heavily on mail-in voting systems. State officials in Oregon and Arizona have declared their intention to sue, asserting that states, not the federal government, are responsible for administering elections and that their established mail-in ballot systems are secure and effective. The order also calls for secure envelopes with unique barcodes for tracking ballots, though the president’s authority to mandate actions by the Postal Service is being questioned.
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This executive order mandates the Department of Homeland Security to create a list of eligible U.S. citizens for voting, a move that voting rights advocates argue could disenfranchise millions. Legal challenges are expected, potentially preventing its implementation before the midterm elections. The order also directs the attorney general to investigate and prosecute those issuing ballots to ineligible voters and to withhold federal funds from noncompliant states, though the Constitution generally vests election administration with the states.
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Despite past controversy, Bill Maher will receive the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on June 28, with the ceremony to premiere on Netflix. Maher acknowledged the award with a characteristic joke, quipping it was like an Emmy he’d actually win. The comedian’s award comes after a complex history with the Mark Twain Prize, previously known for its “out of school libraries” legacy.
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First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron, participated in a special election by mail, casting their ballots on March 24th. This action occurred despite President Trump’s consistent criticism of mail-in voting, which he frequently characterizes as susceptible to fraud. The family’s use of mail-in ballots aligns with Florida’s no-excuse absentee voting policy, yet contrasts with the President’s legislative push to restrict such practices through the SAVE America Act, which includes stricter requirements for mail-in ballots.
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President Donald Trump recently cast a mail-in ballot in a Florida special election, despite his frequent public criticism of the practice as “mail-in cheating.” Trump explained that he used a mail-in ballot because, as president, he was primarily in Washington D.C. and unavailable to vote in person. This occurred even as he continued to denounce mail-in voting, citing a need for exceptions such as being away from his residence.
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President Trump has repeatedly characterized mail-in voting as “cheating” and a “scam,” advocating for stricter voting laws that would limit its use. Despite these pronouncements, records indicate President Trump himself cast a mail-in ballot in a recent special election, even though in-person early voting options were available. While the White House has described his decision as a “non-story” and cited exceptions for specific circumstances, election experts warn that the president’s consistent attacks on mail-in voting erode public trust in the electoral process.
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John Q. Hosedrinker