Trump election executive order blocked by federal judge over proof of citizenship requirement

A US District Court judge in Boston permanently blocked most of President Donald Trumps first executive order on elections. The ruling bars requirements such as documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and restrictions on counting mail ballots received after Election Day. The court said the Constitution leaves election rules to states and Congress.

A US federal judge has permanently stopped President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most parts of an early elections executive order. The order aimed to change how Americans register and vote. The decision blocks key measures, including a new citizenship document rule for voter registration.

US District Court Judge Denise Casper in Boston made the ban permanent on Wednesday. The ruling turns a temporary order from a year earlier into a lasting restriction. Judge Casper had previously issued a preliminary injunction that paused several parts of the planned election changes.

Trump elections executive order blocked by Boston judge

Judge Casper said the Constitution leaves election rulemaking to states and Congress. Judge Casper wrote, "The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,\". Judge Casper also found the executive order breached separation of powers limits set by the Constitution.

The Republican administration argued the legal challenge arrived too early. The administration said the case was premature because the rules were not in place. Judge Casper rejected that view and allowed the Democratic state attorneys general’s lawsuit to proceed.

Trump elections executive order included voter citizenship proof rule

One major proposal required documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Another part stopped mail ballots from being counted after Election Day. This applied even when ballots were postmarked by Election Day. The order also sought to withhold certain federal money from non-compliant states.

Trump elections executive order draws response from state attorneys general

New York Attorney General Letitia James welcomed the court’s move. James said, \"she was grateful the court had blocked Trumps unconstitutional attempt to seize control of our elections and would continue to defend voting rights in this years midterm elections.\" James also said, \"Generations of Americans fought tirelessly for the right to vote, and we honour their legacy by protecting that right against anyone who tries to undermine it,\".

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose state led the case, also commented on the ruling. Bonta said the decision supported the idea that states and Congress set election rules. Bonta added, \"While we are proud of this result, we are clear-eyed that President Trumps attacks on voting rights and our elections show no signs of slowing down,\". Bonta also said, \"So let me be clear: we will keep fighting back every step of the way.\"

The permanent ban keeps the executive order’s main election changes from taking effect. Judge Casper’s decision leaves states and Congress with primary authority over elections. The case also confirms that the President has limited power to set voting rules through executive action.

With inputs from PTI