From biometric-linked voter ID to stricter mail-in ballot rules, Trump’s sweeping reforms aim to restore what he calls “trust in American elections.
March 26, 2025: In a major electoral reform move, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order aimed at tightening voting regulations across the United States. The order mandates documentary proof of citizenship, imposes new restrictions on mail-in ballots, and barcodes in vote counting, while also banning foreign donations in U.S. elections.
What’s making global headlines, however, is Trump’s comparison with India’s electoral system — citing it as an example of how even developing countries have more robust voting safeguards than the U.S.
🔍 Key Highlights of Trump’s Executive Order:
- Proof of Citizenship Required:
Voters must now submit documents such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport to register. No more self-attestation. - Votes Must Be Received by Election Day:
Mail-in ballots must be received—not just postmarked—by Election Day for them to be counted. States that fail to comply may lose federal funding. - No Barcodes in Vote Counting:
Voting systems should not rely on QR codes or barcodes, citing transparency concerns. The Election Assistance Commission is directed to re-certify systems within six months. - Crackdown on Foreign Influence:
The order bans all foreign contributions, including through NGOs or conduits linked to ballot initiatives.
📊 India as a Voting Benchmark:
Trump referenced India’s biometric-linked voter identification system, saying,
“India and Brazil are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the U.S. largely relies on self-attestation.”
He contrasted this with America’s “patchwork” methods, calling for more uniformity, chain-of-custody protection, and enforcement.
🗳️ Context & Reaction:
This move comes as Trump continues to question voting integrity since his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Now back in office after defeating Kamala Harris, Trump says these reforms will restore trust in democracy.
Critics argue this could disproportionately affect voter access. Supporters claim it’s long overdue.
📌 Tags:
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