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The democratic attorneys general of the US States who have sued the order said that the States have broad authority over how elections are conducted.
US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Donald Trump’s recently signed executive order which is aimed at revamping elections in the United States has been challenged by 19 States in the country which seek to block the action. The executive order is unconstitutional and takes away the authority of the States to conduct their own elections, they said in the lawsuit.
What Is Donald Trump’s Executive Order On Elections?
The executive order seeks to make election rules stricter in the US. As per the order, voters are required to present documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and ensure that all ballots are received by Election Day. The order also directs States to work with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes. In case they fail to do so, they will face funding cuts as per the order.
Why Are US States Challenging Election Executive Order?
The democratic attorneys general of the US States who have sued the order said that the States have broad authority over how elections are conducted.
In court documents they wrote, “The President has no power to do any of this…The Elections EO is unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and un-American.”
The 19 states which have filed the lawsuit in US District Court in Massachusetts include – Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
The US President does not have constitutional authority to alter election procedures of the states but the US Congress can “make or alter” election regulations for federal elections without interfering with the administration, the lawsuit noted.
“We are a democracy – not a monarchy – and this executive order is an authoritarian power grab,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, “Neither the Constitution nor Congress authorize the president’s attempted voting restrictions…We will not be bullied by him.”
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)