(WBRE/WYOU)— President Trump recently signed an executive order taking aim at election rules. A large part of the order includes requiring people to prove their citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
His administration says it's an attempt to strengthen election security.
This executive order would require you to have specific forms of documentation if you are registering to vote.
State AGs urge passage of legislation allowing for cell phone ‘jamming’ systems in prisons
President Trump's recent executive order titled preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections aims to reshape voter registration in federal elections by requiring additional proof of citizenship.
Experts note it's already illegal to vote as a non-citizen in federal elections, and current registration forms reflect this.
"You've got to show where you live, your residency, you've got to be able to prove that you are a citizen when you go to register to vote," explained Dr. David Sosar, political analyst.
The biggest difference is the documentation you would need.
According to the executive order: individuals registering to vote in a federal election would need a passport, a real id, or a military id that indicates citizenship. A fourth option is a state or federal issued id that indicates citizenship.
The executive order notes that homeland security will work with states to monitor the citizenship status of those already registered to vote.
Political analyst Dr. David Sosar says that with the exception of any special elections, the next federal election is not until 2026.
"So there's plenty of time for individuals if they're interested in getting a real ID, in getting the official cards that they would need to actually prove their citizenship," stated Sosar.
The executive order is already facing pushback, and experts say it's likely to face legal challenges.
"This is going to be challenged by any number of states and attorney generals and most certainly the democratic party itself," said Sosar.
