Setback for Trump: Judge Refuses to Limit Mail-in Voting

A federal judge rejected stopping President Donald Trump’s executive order to create a federal voter census and restrict mail-in voting. The decision means the measure can continue as long as the administration has not implemented the concrete actions of the rule.

Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by Trump and based in Washington, determined that it is premature to block the order. The court dismissed the petition presented by Democratic groups and civil organizations. These groups argued that the measure violates the Constitution by infringing on state powers.

According to the ruling, plaintiffs can request emergency measures again if the government takes actions that affect voters. Meanwhile, the legal battle continues in Boston, where an independent lawsuit seeks to temporarily stop the executive order.

What Executive Order Does Trump Promote on Mail-in Voting?

The order signed by Trump in March contemplates creating a federal list of eligible voters. The executive would limit the sending of mail ballots only to those appearing on that national registry. Electoral officials and civil groups warned that the measure could generate confusion, exclusions, and administrative abuses.

Since the 2020 presidential election, Trump has insisted, without evidence, that mail-in voting favors electoral fraud. Several audits and official investigations, including some led by Republicans, concluded that there was no widespread fraud in those elections. Still, the executive order continues to advance in its administrative process.

The measure seeks to centralize federal control over voter registration. This means states would have to conform to a national standard for sending mail ballots. The change could alter federal electoral rules before this year’s midterm elections.

Why Are Civil Groups Filing Lawsuits Against the Measure?

Civil organizations and Democrats continue the legal dispute against electoral measures promoted by the Republican administration. They believe the initiative could significantly affect access to mail-in voting. The concern is that the new rule will alter federal electoral rules before the midterm elections.