The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 24, 2026
President Donald Trump’s executive order to verify the citizenship eligibility of registering and mail-in voters was dealt a serious blow by a Federal District Court June 22nd. It ruled that the integration of Social Security and other federal data into the SAVE database violated federal privacy statutes.
Trump’s March 31st order spurred multiple lawsuits by voters, states, pro-democracy groups and civil rights advocates, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause, and state and federal privacy statutes.
In this case, brought by a coalition led by the League of Women Voters and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, plaintiffs argued that the inclusion of Social Security and other federal data in the SAVE database violated the privacy protections in the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
The judge agreed, bluntly writing, “Having flunked compliance with the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act, and the APA, the Defendants look to other statutes to justify the establishment of the modified SAVE system,” UNQUOTE. DHS argued provisions in two immigration control statutes authorized use of the data, to which the judge wrote, “This argument is not a winner either.”
It may be appealed, and multiple other cases are pending, including a challenge by 23 state attorneys general.
We’ve linked the 75-page decision at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. District Court for DC (via Court Listener) – League of Women Voters v. Department of Homeland Security
The White House – ENSURING CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION AND INTEGRITY IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS
U.S. Postal Service via The Federal Register – Proposal to Comply President Trump’s Executive Order: POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Ballot Mail for Federal Elections
Brennan Center for Justice – Analyzing the President’s Executive Order on Mail Voting
Protect Democracy – The SAVE tool, explained
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – In Response to Executive Order Federalizing Mail-In Voting Rules, the U.S. Postal Service Proposes Rules to Verify Voter Eligibility
American Democracy Minute – Trump Executive Order on Mail-In Voting Spurs 5 Lawsuits from States, Pro-Democracy Groups, Civil Rights Groups and the Democratic Party
Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters, Electronic Privacy Information Center
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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