Federal judge blocks Trump's proof of citizenship requirement for voting

In March 2025, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued a ruling that halted portions of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that aimed to impose stricter requirements on federal election processes. Specifically, the judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, blocked an order that mandated individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections. This ruling stemmed from multiple lawsuits filed by various groups, including the Democratic National Committee and voting rights organizations, which argued that the order violated the Constitution’s allocation of authority over elections. Kollar-Kotelly's ruling emphasized that the power to regulate federal elections rests with Congress and the states, highlighting that the President does not possess the authority to enact such significant changes unilaterally. The judge noted that Congress was already in discussions about legislation that could result in similar election reforms, and she found Trump's executive order to short-circuit the legislative process. Additionally, the ruling blocked another provision that would have required federal agencies to assess individuals' citizenship status before granting them access to voter registration forms. Although the judge granted a temporary injunction against these specific provisions, she chose not to block other aspects of the executive order that might address issues like mail-in ballot deadlines, indicating that challenges relating to those were not yet sufficiently ripe for decision. In her decision, Kollar-Kotelly made clear that the Constitution protects the separation of powers, and any changes to election law must adhere to the established legislative process. The ruling also signals a growing tension between the executive branch and various stakeholders committed to preserving voting rights amid evolving electoral policies. This ruling had implications not only for the Trump administration's voter registration initiative but also for the capabilities of election officials and state legislation regarding voting requirements. As partisan divisions regarding voting rights in the United States continue to deepen, the decision adds to the ongoing discussion about voter access and the role of federal versus state governance in determining election policies. The executive order's stalled implementation reflects the complexity of federal elections, often characterized by decentralized management across states and local jurisdictions.