Trump Signs Order Requiring Citizenship Proof for Voter Registration

Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would require prospective voters to prove U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The new order also mandates that states share data with federal agencies to help prosecute election crimes and verify voter registration records.

Under the order, federal agencies can exchange information with states—such as immigration and Social Security records—to ensure that names on voter rolls meet federal eligibility requirements.

Voting rights advocates warn that these changes could disenfranchise millions of Americans. “It’s illegal at many different levels,” said Sean Morales-Doyle, voting rights director at the Brennan Center for Justice, in an NPR interview.

Critics also argue that Trump lacks the legal authority to impose these changes, noting that the order comes on the heels of unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud made by Trump and his allies ahead of the 2024 election.

The new order specifies that prospective voters must prove citizenship with a U.S. passport, an ID meeting REAL ID Act standards that shows citizenship, or a military ID indicating U.S. citizenship. Notably, the order does not list a birth certificate as acceptable proof—a move that some say aligns with broader efforts to challenge birthright citizenship.

Currently, the federal voter registration form requires a driver’s license number, Social Security number, or military ID, along with a sworn statement of citizenship. Individuals who vote illegally may face criminal penalties, including imprisonment or deportation.

A recent study by Apollo Academy found that only 48 percent of American citizens have a passport, raising concerns about the practical impact of the new requirements on voter participation.