Trump Signs Order for National Voter Eligibility List

New executive order aims to tighten mail-in ballot system ahead of 2028 election

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:07am

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a national list of eligible voters in an effort to crack down on what he claims is widespread fraud in mail-in voting. The order will require all states to verify voter eligibility and submit their rolls to a centralized federal database before allowing residents to cast ballots by mail.

Why it matters

Trump has long pushed unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, particularly related to mail-in ballots, and this order is the latest attempt to restrict access to mail voting ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Critics argue the move is a partisan effort to disenfranchise certain voters and could face legal challenges.

The details

The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security to work with state election officials to create and maintain a comprehensive national database of eligible voters. States will be required to verify voter registration information, including Social Security numbers and other identifying data, and submit their rolls to the federal system before residents can request mail-in ballots.

  • The executive order was signed on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who signed the executive order.

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What they’re saying

“The cheating on mail-in voting is legendary. It's horrible what has been going on.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The order will likely face legal challenges from voting rights groups who argue it is an unconstitutional attempt to restrict access to the ballot. The Department of Homeland Security has 90 days to begin implementing the new voter verification system.

The takeaway

This executive order is the latest salvo in the ongoing battle over voting rights and election integrity, with the 2028 presidential race looming. The new national voter list could have far-reaching impacts on mail-in voting, but critics warn it is a partisan ploy that could disproportionately disenfranchise certain voters.