In a recent development, a federal judge in Massachusetts, Judge Denise Casper, has issued a preliminary injunction blocking aspects of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restructuring election procedures in the United States. The injunction specifically halts the requirement for written proof of US citizenship during voter registration and Trump’s directive to prevent states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day, with the latter applying only to states involved in the lawsuit.

Opponents of the executive order argue that mandating documentary proof of citizenship could discourage eligible individuals from registering to vote. Judge Casper highlighted examples such as college students and immigrants who may lack the necessary documentation like birth certificates or passports. She emphasized that the executive order would impose significant burdens and costs on states to overhaul voter registration processes, potentially hindering eligible voter registration.

This legal battle is part of a series of challenges against Trump’s election executive order, with states including California, Nevada, and New York among those contesting the directive. Notably, a federal judge in Washington, DC, had previously ruled against a provision requiring registrants to provide citizenship documentation.

The ongoing lawsuit underscores the contentious nature of election law reforms and the broader implications for voter registration accessibility. As the situation continues to evolve, further updates are expected to shed light on the outcome of this legal dispute.