The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Nov. 4, 2025
A federal court in DC issued a permanent injunction Oct. 31st, barring a portion of President Trump’s executive order on elections. The injunction underscores that states and Congress, not the President, are constitutionally responsible for elections.
A provision in Trump’s March 25th order directed the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, or EAC, to add a proof of citizenship requirement to the federal mail voter registration form, created by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Voters registering with the form, often student or Native American voters, may only vote in federal elections.
April 25th, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a temporary injunction on the form change, which she made permanent on Oct. 31st. The judge said QUOTE:
“The first question presented in these consolidated cases is whether the President, acting unilaterally, may direct changes to federal election procedures. Because our Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the States and to Congress, this Court holds that the President lacks the authority to direct such changes,” UNQUOTE.
She further found that the EAC, created by Congress, had a bipartisan rule-making process, and that neither the National Voter Registration nor the Help America Vote acts, both passed by Congress, authorize such action by the president. It’s likely to be appealed.
We have the decision linked 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
American Democracy Minute – (April) Federal Judge Blocks Proof of Citizenship Provisions in Trump Executive Order on Elections
U.S. District Court for DC – Permanent Injunction Against Federal Mail Voter Registration Changes Mandated by President Donald Trump (Three consolidated cases)
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Div. – The National Voter Registration Act Of 1993 (NVRA)
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – National Mail Voter Registration Form
The Hill – Judge rejects Trump’s voter registration proof-of-citizenship order
Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN
CITIZENS, ACLU
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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