Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent the implementation of an executive order signed by President Trump in March. The order is described as an unconstitutional effort to impose extensive voting restrictions nationwide.
The executive order aims to require state election officials to enforce documentary proof of citizenship requirements during voter registration. It also seeks to alter established state procedures for counting ballots, which currently facilitate broader voter participation.
"I am urging the court to block this executive order because the authority to modify the rules established for U.S. elections lies with Congress," Raoul stated. "Instead of imposing voting restrictions, we should focus our efforts on encouraging more Americans across the country to participate in the democratic process."
Earlier this month, Raoul and his colleagues filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. They argue that regulating elections is a power reserved for states and Congress. The coalition is asking the court to block specific provisions of the executive order and declare them unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Raoul and his fellow attorneys general assert that the executive order threatens their states' interests in maintaining election integrity. The documentary proof of citizenship requirements have already prompted some state election officials to prepare for compliance, which could risk federal funding if not addressed promptly.
Furthermore, the executive order imposes a new ballot receipt deadline enforced through threats from the U.S. Attorney General and conditional funding measures. To meet these new requirements, state election administrators would need additional resources for training and public education.
Joining Attorney General Raoul in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.