The administration filed an emergency request to implement an executive order restricting mail-in voting ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Key facts
- •The First Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration's request to stay an injunction by a two-to-one vote.
- •The injunction currently blocks the order in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
- •The administration has sued 29 states to obtain voter registry data, including driver's license numbers and partial social security numbers.
- •Election officials and federal agencies have previously stated there is no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 elections.
- •The SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for federal registration, remains stalled in the Senate.
The U.S. government filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking to implement an executive order that restricts mail-in voting. The order, which was previously blocked by lower courts, is currently stalled 99 days before the midterm elections. The administration is challenging a recent decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld an injunction against the measure in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Details of the executive order
Signed in March, the executive order directs the director of Citizenship and Immigration Services and the commissioner of the Social Security Administration to compile a list of eligible voters. It further prohibits the Postal Service from distributing ballots to individuals not included on that list. The administration has characterized the order as "general policy guidance," noting that the Postal Service has not yet finalized any specific regulations.
Legal challenges and arguments
Plaintiff states argue that the executive branch lacks the authority to conduct elections, asserting that this power is reserved for Congress and the states. While the administration seeks to overturn the injunction, the First Circuit Court of Appeals noted that the order imposes immediate deadlines that force states to reorganize their election procedures. Meanwhile, the administration continues to pursue other electoral initiatives, including the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.
Timeline
- MarchThe executive order regarding mail-in voting was signed.
- June 25A district judge issued an injunction blocking the executive order.
- MondayThe U.S. government filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MercoPress.
