The states of Washington and Oregon have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging what they describe as an illegal executive order that disrupts the administration of elections and voting rights. The complaint, lodged in Seattle on Thursday, argues that the executive order undermines state sovereignty by attempting to override state laws governing voting processes. The states claim that this directive violates several federal laws, notably the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
According to the lawsuit, the contested order would impose substantial costs on the states and could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of residents. “American democracy has given agency to the oppressed, hope to the weary, and belief that our society can work for everyone,” stated Brown. Brown criticized Trump, remarking, “Donald Trump fears what he can’t control.”
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs commented on the implications of the executive order, stating that it could suppress eligible voters. "We will work with the Washington Attorney General's Office to defend our constitutional authority and ensure Washington's elections remain secure, fair, and accessible," he said.
Further opposition to the executive order came from Senator Javier Valdez and Representative Sharlett Mena. Valdez emphasized Washington state's efforts to maintain accessible and secure voting, arguing that the executive order threatens these advancements. Mena highlighted the ongoing responsibility to safeguard democracy, stressing that electoral reforms reflect broader democratic values.
In addition to declaring certain provisions unconstitutional, the lawsuit seeks to prevent the federal government from enforcing the order. Trump's assertions regarding voting and alleged election fraud have lacked supporting evidence. An analysis by the Associated Press found only 475 potentially fraudulent votes in key states during the 2020 election.
This legal action is backed by a team from the Washington Attorney General’s Office, comprising Solicitor General Noah Purcell, Deputy Solicitors General Karl Smith, Kelly Paradis, Alicia Young, and Will McGinty, among others.
Details of the lawsuit are accessible online.
Washington’s Attorney General serves as the state’s largest law office, providing legal services to various state entities and upholding laws across many contexts, including consumer protection and civil rights.