NewsCBS News PoliticsFebruary 13, 2026United States
President Trump Announces Plan to Mandate Voter ID via Executive Order
President Trump has stated he intends to issue an executive order requiring voter identification, proof of citizenship, and a ban on most mail-in ballots for the upcoming midterm elections. He indicated he will pursue these changes independently if Congress fails to pass related legislation.
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The President's proposed would attempt to unilaterally change federal election registration and voting requirements, potentially impacting the eligibility and documentation process for all voters in the midterm elections.
Key Facts
- President Trump announced plans to issue an executive order mandating voter ID, proof of citizenship, and a ban on most mail-in ballots for the midterm elections.
- The President stated he will pursue these measures regardless of Congressional approval.
- The House of Representatives recently passed the 'SAVE America Act', which requires in-person proof of U.S. citizenship to register and photo ID to vote.
- The SAVE America Act currently lacks the 60 votes required to pass in the Senate.
- Election experts and previous federal court rulings indicate that the Constitution grants authority over federal election regulation to Congress and the states, not the President.
- A federal judge previously rejected an attempt by the President to require proof of citizenship for voter registration via executive order.
- Noncitizen voting is currently illegal under existing federal law.