The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 16, 2025
In April, a DC federal district court ruled President Donald Trump does not have constitutional authority to require proof of citizenship for federal elections. June 13th, another federal court found Trump’s March 25th executive order would burden the states with implementing new systems, and would likely disenfranchise voters.
Read President Trump’s March 25th Executive Order on Elections
Nineteen state attorneys general filed suit in April in a Massachusetts federal court, arguing Trump’s executive order was unconstitutional because the Constitution grants power over elections to Congress and the states. They also argued that the citizenship and other requirements created chaos, unreasonable deadlines and burdensome requirements, would keep their citizens from voting by mail, and illegally withheld federal election funding for noncompliance.
Judge Denise Casper agreed, issuing a partial injunction, finding that states and Congress were responsible for elections, not the president, and that Congress had considered and rejected proof of citizenship for requesting the federal-only voter registration form, or UOCAVA overseas ballots. Casper said the states proved it would be a burden for the states to implement, and could disenfranchise voters. For 13 of the 19 states which don’t currently offer ballot receipts, her order keeps the Trump administration from enforcement actions and withholding federal election funding.
More cases challenging Trump’s executive order are pending in other federal courts.
We have the court opinions from both the April and June decisions at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The White House – PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF AMERICAN ELECTIONS
Brennan Center for Justice – The President’s Executive Order on Elections
US District Court in DC – (April Case) MEMORANDUM OPINION
American Democracy Minute – (April Case) Federal Judge Blocks Proof of Citizenship Provisions in Trump Executive Order on Elections
US District Court – (June Case) Complaint from 19 State Attorneys General
US District Court – (June Case) ORDER OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
NPR – A 2nd judge halts more of Trump’s voting executive order
Groups Taking Action:
LULAC, League of Women Voters, NAACP, Asian Pacific American Advocates
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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