Court Blocks Trump’s Voter List and Mail Ballot Restrictions

A federal appeals court has upheld a decision to stop President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at creating a federal voter list and limiting mail ballot delivery. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the administration’s attempt to enforce mail-in voting restrictions in 23 states before the midterm elections.

Trump’s executive order, issued in March, directed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Social Security Administration to compile a ‘state citizenship list’ of eligible voters. The U.S. Postal Service would then deliver mail ballots solely to those listed. Trump claimed these measures would prevent non-citizens from voting.

State election officials expressed concern, suggesting these changes were susceptible to misuse and might lead to confusion. Democratic leaders from 23 states and the District of Columbia opposed the order, filing a lawsuit in Boston. They argued Trump’s directive was unconstitutional since election rules fall under the jurisdiction of states and Congress.

U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, appointed by President Barack Obama, supported this viewpoint, thwarting the implementation of Trump’s order for the November 3 elections in the suing states.

The Justice Department has stated it is reviewing its options and remains confident in the eventual success of Trump’s executive order.