President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order mandating voter identification for “every single vote,” vowing, “NO EXCEPTIONS!” on Truth Social. The proposal includes eliminating mail-in voting, except for individuals who are “very ill” or stationed overseas, and requiring “paper ballots only.”
Trump’s declaration follows his August pledge to end mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. However, federal election administration is managed at the state level, raising questions about the president’s constitutional authority to enforce such measures.
The new voter ID initiative would expand on Trump’s March executive action, which required proof of citizenship for federal registration and mandated ballots be received by Election Day. Critics argue mandatory voter ID could disenfranchise millions, particularly in states allowing voting without photo identification.
The move signals Trump is bypassing congressional Republicans’ proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which seeks similar citizenship verification through legislation. The Nov. 3, 2026, elections will mark the first nationwide vote on Trump’s policies since his return to power in January.