In a bold move aimed at overhauling the US electoral system, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seeks significant changes to how elections are conducted in the United States.
The order mandates voters to prove their American citizenship, insists that only mail-in or absentee ballots received by Election Day be counted, and bars non-US citizens from donating to certain elections.
Trump, referencing election practices in countries like India and Brazil, argued that the US is failing to implement "basic and necessary election protections" that are already standard in both developed and developing nations. “India and Brazil are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship,” he noted.
He further criticised the US for its inconsistent approach to ballot processing, comparing it to countries like Germany and Canada, which require paper ballots for vote tabulation. "Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the United States has a patchwork of methods that often lack basic chain-of-custody protections," Trump said, highlighting the need for a more secure and uniform voting system.
The executive order also highlights the issue of mail-in voting. Trump pointed out that countries like Denmark and Sweden limit mail-in ballots to those who cannot vote in person, and they do not accept late-arriving ballots, regardless of the postmark.
"Many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day," he added.
This executive order is part of Trump's continued efforts to restore what he believes to be the integrity of US elections, which he has frequently claimed were compromised in the 2020 Presidential Election. Trump emphasised that "free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic."
“The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election,” said Trump.
Tripura Police seize Yaba tablets worth Rs 4 Crore, one arrested
In a major operation against drug trafficking, Tripura Police on Sunday seized 80,000 Yaba tablets valued at around Rs 4 crore from a truck at the Churaibari check post in North Tripura district, near the Assam border.
PCC to launch outreach campaign from June 22, highlighting BJP’s failures
In line with the directives of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) on Sunday announced a state-wide public outreach campaign starting from June 22.
Two drowned in Pune bridge collapse, PM Modi speaks to CM Fadnavis
At least two people were killed, 32 others injured, while a total of 41 people were rescued after they fell into an overflowing river when an old bridge they were crossing collapsed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Sunday.
Haifa port in Israel operating normally despite Iran attack
There has been no damage to Israel’s Haifa port in the Iranian ballistic missile attack on an oil refinery nearby and cargo operations are progressing unhindered, according to media reports.
No recommendation, no discrimination: HM Amit Shah hails UP’s inclusive recruitment drive
In a historic ceremony, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed appointment letters to 60,244 newly selected police personnel at the Defence Expo Ground in Sector 18, Vrindavan. Out of these 60,000 recruits, more than 12,000 comprised women.
Round-the-clock DNA profiling underway: FSL Gandhinagar Director explains complex process
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has been operating around the clock to identify victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash through DNA profiling and matching.
Civil Aviation Ministry issues strict instructions to DGCA to enforce chopper safety
In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash in the Gaurikund area of Uttarakhand, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday issued strict instructions to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce all safety protocols related to chopper operations in hilly and sensitive areas like the Kedarnath valley.
‘Harming Indians will invite punishment’, HM Shah on Op Sindoor
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that through the anti-terror Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a strong message across the world that the bloodshed of Indians will invite punishment.