Judge Blocks Trump Order Requiring Citizenship Proof for Voter Registration

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled on Friday, October 31, 2025, that Donald Trump cannot require documentary proof of citizenship on federal voter registration forms. The ruling permanently bars the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from implementing the requirement, which had been mandated by a presidential executive order signed in March.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly determined that the directive was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. She stated that the Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the states and Congress, leaving the president with no direct role in setting voting qualifications. This decision granted a partial summary judgment to plaintiffs, including the Democratic National Committee, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the League of Women Voters.

The White House disputed the ruling, asserting that the president exercised lawful authority to ensure election integrity and intended to appeal the decision. Voting rights advocates described the ruling as a victory against voter suppression.

While the citizenship mandate is blocked, other provisions of the executive order remain under judicial consideration. These include a mandate requiring mailed ballots to be received by Election Day rather than merely postmarked by that date.