Trump signs a new executive order on voting. Experts say he lacks the authority

NPR
by Ashley Lopez
March 31, 2026
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Trump signed an executive order ending mail-in voting, but legal experts say he lacks constitutional authority to do so.

How This Affects You

If upheld, this could eliminate mail-in voting as an option for you in federal elections, potentially requiring in-person voting regardless of circumstance.

AI Summary

President Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending mail-in voting nationwide, according to the White House. Election law scholars have stated the president lacks constitutional authority to implement such a policy unilaterally. The order represents the administration's latest effort to restrict voting methods, though the legal validity of the directive remains contested. Constitutional challenges to the order are likely, as voting regulations fall primarily under state authority and congressional jurisdiction.

What's Being Done

Constitutional challenges to the order are expected, as voting regulations fall under state authority and congressional jurisdiction.

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