Top Democrats and party committees filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday seeking to block a Trump administration executive order that would impose new restrictions on voting by mail ahead of the midterm elections.
The suit, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several major campaign organizations, argues the order represents an unconstitutional overreach into states' authority to administer elections.
"President Trump possesses no such authority to order such a sweeping change to American elections," the complaint states.
The executive order establishes a federal framework for approving absentee voters, threatens to withhold funding from states that do not comply, and directs federal agencies to investigate the distribution of mailed ballots.
Democrats assert that the directive violates constitutional provisions and improperly expands federal power, including by involving the U.S. Postal Service in determining voter eligibility.
A separate lawsuit filed by voting rights groups makes similar arguments, calling the order an "extraordinary and abusive" use of executive authority.
The White House defended the action, saying it is intended to strengthen election integrity and ensure that only eligible citizens vote.
Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. federal elections, with penalties including fines, up to one year in prison, and potential immigration consequences.
The legal challenge marks the latest escalation in disputes over election rules, particularly those regarding voting by mail, which expanded significantly in recent years and remains a point of political contention.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.