On March 25, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a sweeping executive order aimed at ensuring the integrity of elections in the United States. The order lays out several measures to address election security, voter eligibility, and foreign interference in an effort to protect the nation’s democratic processes.

The executive order highlights a critical gap in the U.S. electoral system, noting that, while countries like India and Brazil are advancing voter security through biometric databases and other technologies, the United States still lacks consistent protections. “The United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing,” the order states. This acknowledgment sets the stage for the reforms outlined in the document.

🚨 POTUS signs an executive order on election integrity that includes the following provisions:

– Requires documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on its voter registration forms.
– Conditions federal election-related funds on states complying with the integrity… pic.twitter.com/6A5zVdOAYn

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 25, 2025

One of the key provisions of the order addresses the need for stricter verification of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Federal laws currently prohibit foreign nationals from voting, but the order points to failures in enforcement at the state level, calling for more rigorous vetting. “Several Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 1015 and 611, prohibit foreign nationals from registering to vote or voting in Federal elections. Yet States fail adequately to vet voters’ citizenship,” the order asserts. To address this, the Election Assistance Commission has been directed to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when individuals apply to vote, and to document the type of evidence provided, such as a passport or military ID.

Further, the order mandates that federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State, assist states in verifying the citizenship status of individuals already registered to vote. In a similar vein, the order calls for a comprehensive review of voter rolls, with an emphasis on identifying and removing non-citizens from voter databases.

In terms of foreign interference, the executive order strengthens existing laws prohibiting foreign nationals from participating in U.S. elections through contributions, lobbying, or other forms of financial support. “Federal law, 52 U.S.C. 30121, prohibits foreign nationals from participating in Federal, State, or local elections by making any contributions or expenditures. But foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law’s interpretation, spending millions of dollars through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures,” the order reads. To counter this, the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury have been instructed to prioritize enforcement of these laws.

In an effort to improve election transparency, the order emphasizes the need for verifiable paper ballots and more secure voting systems. It specifically mentions the importance of paper records that voters can check to ensure their vote is accurately counted, which will help prevent fraud and mistakes.

The order also directs the Election Assistance Commission to stop providing federal funds to states that fail to comply with laws that require the use of a national mail voter registration form, which must also include documentary proof of citizenship. Additionally, the order tasks the Commission with ensuring that voting systems meet updated integrity standards that include secure and verifiable ballots.

One significant aspect of this order is its requirement for coordination between federal agencies and state election officials. The Attorney General has been charged with ensuring that states comply with federal election laws, and where states fail to cooperate, the Department of Justice will take appropriate action. This includes withholding grants and other funds from non-compliant states.

The order also envisions a review of the security of electronic voting systems, particularly those connected to the internet. The Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Election Assistance Commission, is tasked with assessing potential vulnerabilities in electronic systems that could compromise election security.

President Trump’s executive order also addresses the handling of absentee and mail-in ballots, aiming for uniformity across states in their receipt and counting. As part of the efforts to enhance the electoral process, the order reinforces the importance of compliance with federal laws that set a uniform Election Day across the nation, ensuring that all ballots are received and counted by the legally designated time.

The president’s action comes in response to ongoing concerns over election integrity, amid increasing scrutiny of voting processes and the role of foreign influence in U.S. elections. This executive order represents a significant effort to shore up the nation’s electoral systems and prevent the kinds of issues that have sparked public distrust in recent years.