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A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has dismissed a section of President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity, which enjoys significant popularity among the American public, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, serving on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, struck down provisions mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration.
As the countdown to the 2024 election continues, Gallup recently discovered that 84% of American adults favor requiring voters to present identification, while 83% believe proof of citizenship should be necessary during initial voter registration.
Public Opinion on Voter ID Measures
The support extends across party lines. Approximately 67% of Democrats, 84% of Independents, and an overwhelming 98% of Republicans back the implementation of voter ID laws. Similarly, the party breakdown for proof of citizenship shows 66% of Democrats, 84% of Independents, and 96% of Republicans in favor of this requirement.
Judge’s Rationale Against Trump’s Directive
Despite the overwhelming support for these measures among citizens, Judge Kollar-Kotelly asserted that President Trump lacked the authority to issue such an order. The judge referenced the U.S. Constitution, which allocates control over election regulations to Congress and individual states.
She remarked, “Consistent with that allocation of power, Congress is currently debating legislation that would affect many of the changes the President purports to order. No statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congress’s deliberative process by executive order.”
Legislative Efforts to Ensure Election Integrity
Earlier this month, the House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This significant legislation mandates that states obtain proof of citizenship for anyone registering to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the act calls for the removal of all non-citizens from voter rolls. The Senate must still approve the measure before it heads to President Trump for signing.
Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas and an advocate for the bill, stated, “In order to preserve this republic, we must uphold what it means to be able to vote in a U.S. election. I am grateful that my colleagues answered the call and passed the SAVE Act, as this serves as a critical first step to ensure that we maintain election integrity throughout our country.”
State-Level Developments in Voter ID Laws
In 2025, five states have successfully enacted voter ID laws, while one state now requires proof of citizenship for voter registration. According to the Voting Rights Lab, an additional 25 states are debating bills aimed at mandating proof of citizenship, and 40 states are considering legislation to establish voter ID requirements.
The Road Ahead for Election Integrity Initiatives
The ongoing legal and legislative battles to secure election integrity illustrate a deeply divided landscape within American politics. The widespread public support for voter ID laws and citizenship proof reflects a robust desire for transparency and trust in the electoral process.
As discussions continue in Congress, state legislatures remain active in shaping the future of voting regulations. The implications of these decisions will undoubtedly resonate as the nation approaches the pivotal 2024 elections.
Current events underscore the critical intersection of law, public opinion, and legislative action. Moving forward, stakeholders from various sectors—including lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the judiciary—will play a crucial role in determining how election integrity is defined and implemented across the nation.
