Information and updates on a new executive order restricting voting from the National Council of Nonprofits.
President Trump just issued an executive order affecting voting: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections. The EO is very broad and restricts access to voting by requiring proof of citizenship, changing voting standards and guidelines, removes federal funding to states for noncompliance, and prohibits foreign nationals from contributing or donating in elections.
Of particular concern, Section 8: Preventing Foreign Interference and Unlawful Use of Federal funds directs the Attorney General to “prioritize enforcement” to “prohibit[] lobbying by organizations or entities that have received any Federal funds”. Organizations and entities are not defined and therefore could apply to nonprofits that receive federal funds and are lawfully advocating and lobbying for their missions.
We expect the EO to be challenged in court quickly.
More information on the EO:
- Trump signs executive order that will upend US voter registration processes, The Guardian, Mar. 25, 2025.
The EO is modeled after the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), which has been raised by many in the network. More information on the bill:
- SAVE Act Would Undermine Voter Registration for All Americans, Brennan Center, Feb. 11, 2025.
We’ll be updating the Chart soon with the EO. In the meantime, here are the main provisions:
Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections
- Requires the mail voter registration form to require proof of citizenship.
- Requires recording of the type of document an applicant uses as proof of citizenship.
- Requires identification of “unqualified voters registered in the States”.
- Requires information on foreign nationals who have registered or have voted.
- Requires assessment of citizenship prior to providing voter registration forms for public assistance programs.
- Prioritizes enforcement against noncitizens registering to vote.
- Removes federal funds to states that do not comply.
- Changes voting standards, guidelines, administration, and electronic systems.
- Conditions funding for the states on “uniform and nondiscriminatory standards…that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote.”
- Prioritizes enforcement against foreign nationals from contributing or donating in elections.
- Prioritizes enforcement against lobbying by organizations or entities that have received federal funds.