Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Mail-In Voting Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules, a move his administration says is necessary to restore confidence in U.S. elections ahead of the upcoming midterms.

The directive takes significant steps to ensure only eligible voters receive absentee ballots.

It instructs the Department of Homeland Security, working alongside the Social Security Administration, to compile a verified list of U.S. citizens eligible to vote.

Under the order, mail-in ballots would be limited to individuals on that list, marking a major shift toward stricter oversight of ballot distribution.

The plan also strengthens enforcement mechanisms.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is authorized to investigate and potentially prosecute officials or individuals who distribute ballots to ineligible recipients.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service would be required to send ballots only to approved voters and use secure, trackable envelopes designed to prevent fraud and improve transparency, according to TIME.