President Donald Trump's executive order directing the USPS to determine mail ballot eligibility is facing three federal lawsuits alleging it is unconstitutional and violates multiple laws.
Lawsuits Filed
- Three separate groups filed lawsuits on Wednesday and Thursday in federal courts in Washington D.C. and Massachusetts.
- Plaintiffs include Democratic congressional leaders (Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries), the Democratic National Committee, and coalitions of voter advocacy groups.
Constitutional and Legal Challenges
- The order is accused of violating the Constitution by federalizing election decisions reserved for states under the Elections Clause.
- Alleged breaches include the Voting Rights Act, the Privacy Act, and laws governing the Postal Service's operations.
- Specific provisions require states to submit lists of mail voters 60 days before elections, potentially disenfranchising those who move or naturalize close to election day.
Privacy and Data Concerns
- The order mandates federal agencies to create a "citizen" list using databases like SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements), which have documented accuracy issues.
- Lawsuits argue this violates the Privacy Act by assembling a federal "personal dossier," citing congressional intent to prevent Orwellian data collection.
- Election administrators have criticized SAVE for errors that could wrongly exclude eligible voters from mail ballots.
White House Defense
- White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated the order is a lawful effort to secure elections and ensure only American citizens vote.
- She framed it as fulfilling President Trump's campaign promises, while opponents label it an unconstitutional power grab that undermines state election authority.