New Executive Order Could Impact Voting Rights, with Transgender People at Greater Risk

Recently, a new executive order could shake up voting rights across America. It's called "Preserving and Protecting The Integrity Of American Elections," and it claims it will tackle problems like "illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms." But election security experts are saying these issues are quite rare.

The risk millions face in losing their voting rights

A big chunk in this order demands Americans show proof they're citizens—like a U.S. passport or a REAL ID driver‘s license—when signing up or updating voter registration. The Associated Press suggests this requirement might mean 9%—that's over 21 million voting-age citizens—could be barred from voting since they might not have these documents on hand.

Voting rights advocates aren't staying silent. They criticize this order, saying it hits marginalized groups hard: low-income communities, people who are really struggling, and especially transgender folks. Let‘s not forget, this administration's already stopped recognizing transgender people's gender identities on passports, even if their state IDs say otherwise. So, if they're trying just trying vote, can it be any harder?

The bigger picture: what this means changes in voter registration

This order doesn't stop there. It says states have got update their voter rolls, a practice some use as a “voter purge” trick—booting out thousands who haven't voted recently or moved without updating addresses. And if that's not enough, it lets agencies like DOGE and DHS look through those state lists with a fine-tooth comb. If states don't play along, DHS might subpoena voter rolls, stirring up fears about Uncle Sam poking too much in states' business.

Legal wrangles and state power struggles

This new rule tries putting another limit on states by banning them from accepting mail-in ballots after Election Day, though 18 states and Puerto Rico currently allow it. And if states don't follow suit, they might see federal funds slashed and face investigations, sparking anger from state officials and voter rights groups.

Colorado Secretary Jena Griswold went as far as calling it "illegal," saying it could stop Americans from casting their votes and accused it weaponizing federal power. Danielle Lang from Campaign Legal Center slammed it as "lawbreaking" and expects quick legal pushback.

The ACLU isn't standing by either—they're readying a court battle, arguing that it‘s Congress and states, not presidents, who should handle voter rules and election laws, according their reading Constitution.

Looking back and worrying about what's ahead

All this ties back broader patterns from this president, who keeps making baseless claims about election fraud. He previously insisted on mass illegal voting against him, without a shred proof holding up in court. Could this order be more about digging in with those claims?

As these court fights play out, what's going happen in future elections and voting turnout? Groups fighting back say we‘ll need protect every American voters' rights, especially those like transgender individuals who could face unique hurdles under these rules.

Want keep in loop these political and social waves affecting LGBTQ+ communities? Sign up newsletters that offer key insights and useful resources.