WASHINGTON — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s executive order that sought to change election rules in Washington and Oregon.
The lawsuit was filed by both states against President Trump’s March executive order, which would have required citizens to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and mandated that all mail-in ballots be received by Election Day.
The judge ruled that the executive order violated the separation of powers.
Washington Attorney Nick Brown commented on the ruling, stating that it was a victory for voters and the rule of law. Brown cited constitutional law, which allows only the states and Congress to regulate elections.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs also praised the decision. He emphasized that the ruling protects voters and election officials from what he described as a political overreach that could lead to less secure elections.
A White House spokesperson responded by saying that President Trump cares deeply about election integrity and that the executive order was intended to ensure election security.
The spokesperson added that this would not be their final say and that they will continue to push for the executive order to prevail.
President Trump has also expressed his intent to introduce more measures aimed at protecting election security and preventing potential election fraud.
