Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has announced participation in a lawsuit challenging an executive order from President Donald J. Trump, which allegedly seeks to impose voting restrictions nationwide. The lawsuit, joined by 19 state attorneys general, contests Executive Order No. 14248, also known as the Elections Executive Order.
Speaking on the matter, Neronha stated, "In one fell swoop, this President is attempting to undermine elections and sidestep the Congress, and we’re not going to stand for it." The contested executive order allegedly threatens states with the loss of significant federal funding unless they comply, which Neronha argues could adversely affect Rhode Island's constitutional election administration.
Central to the lawsuit is the executive order's requirement for voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, a stipulation many citizens reportedly cannot meet. Attorney General Neronha further highlighted the potential disenfranchisement of military members from Rhode Island, particularly those residing overseas, whose votes could be invalidated if not received within seven days post-election. "This is a direct attack on the foundation of our democracy, and we will not let this Administration restrict the American people's right to vote," Neronha added.
The coalition of attorneys general, helmed by California's Rob Bonta and Nevada's Aaron Ford, argues that the executive order unlawfully conscripts state election officials into enforcing these requirements. They claim the order disrupts state procedures for counting ballots, which typically aim to promote voter participation.
The lawsuit contends that the power to regulate elections is delegated to the states and Congress, and accuses the executive order of overreaching presidential authority and violating the separation of powers. The attorneys general are urging the court to nullify the order's controversial provisions.
Joining Neronha in the lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin.