Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This Executive Order mandates federal agencies to enhance citizenship verification for federal elections. DHS and SSA must compile and send each state a 'State Citizenship List' of confirmed U.S. citizens over 18 residing in the state, using federal databases like SAVE, updated 60 days before elections. States can amend lists, but inclusion doesn't mean automatic voter registration. The DOJ must prioritize prosecuting officials or entities issuing ballots to non-citizens, citing laws like 18 U.S.C. 611. USPS is directed to start rulemaking within 60 days for mail-in/absentee ballots: requiring official envelopes with unique barcodes, state opt-in 90 days pre-election with eligible voter lists 60 days prior, and USPS tracking via 'Mail-In and Absentee Participation Lists'. Final rules due in 120 days. Implementation involves coordination across agencies, with DHS building infrastructure in 90 days. Enforcement includes potential fund withholding and 5-year record preservation by states. The order emphasizes mail security to prevent fraud without burdening voters.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- DHS/SSA compile/transmit State Citizenship Lists to states 60 days before federal elections
- DOJ prioritize prosecutions for issuing ballots to non-citizens under specified U.S.C. codes
- USPS initiate proposed rulemaking within 60 days, finalize within 120 days for mail-in ballot envelopes with unique barcodes
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
DHS Secretary, through USCIS Director in coordination with SSA Commissioner, must compile and transmit State Citizenship Lists to each state's chief election official no fewer than 60 days before each regularly scheduled Federal election, derived from Federal citizenship/naturalization records, SSA records, SAVE data, and other relevant Federal databases.
DHS must establish procedures allowing individuals to access, update, or correct their individual records in the State Citizenship List in advance of elections.
DHS must enable States to routinely supplement and provide suggested modifications or amendments to State Citizenship Lists transmitted to them.
Attorney General must prioritize investigation and prosecution of State and local officials or others who issue Federal ballots to individuals not eligible to vote, citing specified criminal statutes (18 U.S.C. 611, 241, 371, 1001, 1015 and 52 U.S.C. 10307, 20511).
Postmaster General must initiate proposed rulemaking within 60 days of the order pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 401 for mail-in and absentee ballot standards, with final rules due within 120 days.