Federal Court Blocks Trump Voter Citizenship Proof Requirement

A federal judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, has permanently blocked President Donald Trump's executive order requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport, when registering to vote, ruling it unconstitutional. The judge emphasized that the U.S. Constitution assigns the responsibility for election regulation to the states and Congress, not the president, thereby limiting Trump's authority to impose such changes. This decision came after multiple lawsuits from Democratic and civil rights groups, including the Democratic National Committee and the League of Women Voters, challenged the order. The American Civil Liberties Union praised the ruling as a victory for voting rights, warning against making it harder for eligible voters to participate. The White House disagreed with the ruling, asserting Trump's lawful authority to ensure only American citizens vote and indicated plans to appeal. This ruling is the first final court decision against the controversial order, which also included other election-related provisions, some of which remain under legal scrutiny.