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East Providence Today
By the People, for the People
Rhode Island Official Blasts Trump's Call To Nationalize Elections
Secretary of State Gregg Amore says Trump's plan is unconstitutional and warns the SAVE America Act could block millions from voting.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Rhode Island's Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore is strongly criticizing former President Trump's call for Republicans to "nationalize" elections, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to public trust in the electoral process. Amore warns that the proposed SAVE America Act, which would impose new proof-of-citizenship requirements, could effectively disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.
Why it matters
Amore's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between federal and state control over elections, with the Constitution granting states primary authority over election administration. Trump's remarks and the SAVE Act proposals represent the latest efforts by some Republicans to impose tighter voting rules, which voting rights advocates argue could restrict access to the ballot, especially for marginalized groups.
The details
In a podcast interview, Trump urged Republicans to "take over" voting in "at least many, 15 places" and "nationalize the voting" in key states. Amore, a Democrat, called this "tremendously irresponsible" and said it contradicts the Constitution, which intentionally keeps the executive branch away from running elections. Amore stressed that the U.S. has 50 separate state-run elections, making large-scale manipulation highly unlikely. He warned that the SAVE America Act's proof-of-citizenship requirements could block some eligible voters, especially women whose legal names don't match their birth certificates, from registering.
- On January 28, the FBI searched a Fulton County, Georgia elections facility and seized boxes of ballots and related materials.
- Rhode Island's elections office previously refused a Trump-administration request for detailed voter information and defended voters' privacy.
The players
Gregg M. Amore
The Secretary of State of Rhode Island, a Democrat from East Providence who is warning that Trump's call to "nationalize" elections is unconstitutional and that the SAVE America Act could block millions of eligible voters.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who recently urged Republicans to "take over" voting in key states and "nationalize the voting."
The Brennan Center for Justice
A nonpartisan law and policy institute that has warned the SAVE Act could deny or delay registration for millions of eligible Americans and impose new hurdles for voters.
What they’re saying
“Because it is so decentralized, it's impossible to manipulate,”
— Gregg M. Amore, Secretary of State of Rhode Island (The Boston Globe)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
