WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new executive order will require federal agencies to verify voter citizenship and tighten controls on mail-in ballots, introducing new data-sharing systems and enforcement priorities aimed at preventing ineligible voting in federal elections.
What This Means for You
- Citizenship Checks Expanded: Federal agencies will compile and share lists of confirmed U.S. citizens with states.
- Stricter Mail Ballot Rules: New requirements could standardize how mail-in ballots are tracked and distributed.
- Increased Enforcement: Federal investigations and penalties may target officials or entities involved in unlawful voting activity.
The order, signed Tuesday, directs multiple federal agencies to coordinate efforts to verify voter eligibility, enforce election laws, and establish new standards for mail-in and absentee ballots.
Federal Data Used to Verify Voters
Under the order, the Department of Homeland Security, working with the Social Security Administration, will create and share a “State Citizenship List” with election officials.
This list is intended to identify individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the time of a federal election, and reside in a given state. Officials said the data will come from federal records, including citizenship and Social Security databases.
The lists will be updated at least 60 days before federal elections, and individuals will be able to review and request corrections to their records.
The order states that inclusion on the list does not automatically register a person to vote, and that state laws and procedures still govern voter registration.
New Rules for Mail-In Ballots
The order directs the U.S. Postal Service to begin rulemaking within 60 days to establish new standards for handling mail-in and absentee ballots.
Proposed requirements include using envelopes marked as official election mail and equipped with tracking barcodes, known as Intelligent Mail barcodes, which allow ballots to be tracked through the postal system.
States may also be required to provide lists of eligible mail-in voters in advance, and the Postal Service would only deliver ballots to individuals included on those lists.
Federal officials said the changes are intended to create a more auditable system for ballot distribution and return.
Enforcement and Investigations
The order instructs the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize investigations and potential prosecutions related to election law violations.
This includes cases where ballots are issued to individuals not eligible to vote, as well as the production or distribution of ballots to ineligible voters.
Federal agencies are also directed to coordinate with postal inspectors and law enforcement to investigate potential misuse of the mail system in elections.
Funding and Compliance Measures
The order states that federal funds could be withheld from states or localities that fail to comply with applicable federal election laws, where permitted by law.
States are also instructed to retain certain election-related records, such as ballot envelopes, for five years to support oversight and enforcement.
Next Steps
Federal agencies must begin implementing the order within set timelines, including establishing the citizenship data system within 90 days and completing postal rulemaking within 120 days.
The order will take effect subject to existing laws and available funding, with further guidance expected as agencies develop specific regulations and procedures.
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