The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for March 3, 2026
We reported yesterday on a recent election denier summit where a proposed presidential executive order declaring a national emergency was pushed. Its intent is to exert federal control over the midterm election. Scholars say it’s blatantly unconstitutional.
One such draft, obtained by Democracy Docket, would invoke the National Emergencies Act and other statutes, citing election interference from a foreign power, let’s say Iran, as a pretext. It states, QUOTE:
“There is now clear and compelling evidence from court cases and forensic analysis that these threats have not been mitigated but instead have intensified,” UNQUOTE. It goes on to cite debunked 2020 conspiracy theories involving ballot tabulators compromised by foreign actors and fraudulent voting by domestic accomplices.
The 17-page proposal would implement a host of federal election rules, require nationwide voter ID and proof of citizenship, and end universal mail-in ballots. It prohibits drop boxes, and ends mail ballot grace periods. Its proposed ballot processing rules would supersede state election law, including ending use of voting machines and requiring only hand counting of ballots.
The chaos it would create aside, even in an emergency, constitutional scholars agree that the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives STATES the responsibility for conducting elections, and the president has no role. President Trump told PBS Friday he would not declare such a national emergency.
We’ve linked to Democracy Docket’s copy of the proposed order at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Democracy Docket – Read a draft of the emergency executive order for Trump to take control of elections
Washington Post – Trump, seeking executive power over elections, is urged to declare emergency
Executive Functions, Bob Bauer – Trump’s Coming Confrontation with the Courts Over the Elections
Cato Institute – Trump’s Draft Executive Order Would Be a Sea Change to How Americans Vote and How Elections Are Run
The Hill – Trump says he’s not considering declaring a national emergency ahead of midterms
Issue One – Reported White House Move to Take Over Elections Would Violate the Constitution
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Meeting of 2020 Trump Election Operatives Considers 2026 Litigation Strategies and Declaring a National Emergency to Interfere with the Midterms
American Democracy Minute – (Feb 2026) Can President Trump Mandate Voter ID for the Midterms? He May Try, But the U.S. Constitution Says He Doesn’t Have the Authority.
Groups Taking Action:
Protect Democracy, States United Democracy Center, American Oversight, League of Women Voters
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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