The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 13, 2026
President Donald Trump’s executive order on elections took yet another hit January 9th, as a federal judge blocked portions of the order trying to dictate election and ballot deadlines, what voting systems can be used, and blocking federal funding for non-compliant states.
Section 4, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, referred to as the “Elections Clause,” grants oversight of elections to the states and Congress. That didn’t, however, stop President Trump from issuing “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections” in March 2025, which included an attack on mail-in voting.
Universal mail-in voting states Washington and Oregon sued, arguing the executive order was in violation of the Constitution’s Elections Clause and separation of powers. Federal District Court Judge John H. Chun agreed, enjoining the administration from limiting ballot deadlines to election day unless Congress regulated otherwise.
The judge quoted another decision, writing, “‘The Framers recognized that, in the long term, structural protections against abuse of power were critical to preserving liberty.’ Their solution to governmental power and its perils was simple: divide it.”
The order also stopped the administration from withholding federal funds for states which didn’t comply, and from telling states what election systems could be used to cast ballots. Three other challenges to the executive order have also prevailed; two have already been appealed.
We’ve linked the decision at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The White House – The White House – PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF AMERICAN ELECTIONS
Brennan Center for Justice – The President’s Executive Order on Elections
American Democracy Minute – (April 2025) Federal Judge Blocks Proof of Citizenship Provisions in Trump Executive Order on Elections
American Democracy Minute – (June 2025) Second Federal Court Invalidates More of Trump’s Executive Order on Elections as Unconstitutional, Burdensome, and Likely to Disenfranchise
American Democracy Minute – (Nov. 2025) Federal Court in DC Issues Permanent Injunction on Part of Trump Executive Order on Elections; No to Changing Federal Registration Form
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON – Decision in State of Washington v. Trump
The Hill – Judge halts enforcement of Trump executive order against vote-by-mail
Groups Taking Action:
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, League of Women Voters US, National Partnership for New Americans
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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