NewDEAL Leaders Vow to Fight Illegal Executive Order on Voting
News Category: Media, Statements and Press Releases
NewDEAL Leaders serving as Secretaries of State were quick to denounce a new Executive Order (EO) by President Donald Trump as an illegal power-grab that would be fought in court. Leaders in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and Oregon vowed to protect voters in their states from the chaos this EO seeks to bring.
The March 31 EO would create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters, as well as restrict mail-in voting, according to the Associated Press. However, the Constitution clearly dictates that states are in charge of running elections. Further, American elections continue to be safe, secure, and fair.
“President Trump’s latest Executive Order is the latest in a long line of illegal and unAmerican tactics from this president to undermine faith in our elections,” said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL. “From inciting a violent mob on January 6, 2021, to spreading lies and misinformation about elections, it is clear that Trump respects neither the rule of law nor the will of voters. I’m proud to see NewDEAL Leaders and other patriots stand up to this latest assault on our right to vote.”
Below is a compilation of statements from NewDEAL Leaders currently serving as Secretary of State:
Adrian Fontes (Arizona):
“Arizona operates as the gold standard for election administration, requiring documented proof of citizenship (DPOC) at the time of registration and voter ID at the polls. This Executive Order is a disgusting overreach from the federal government and shows how little the Trump Administration understands about election administration. States already deploy rigorous voter roll maintenance efforts to ensure that our elections are safe and secure. Arizona receives DPOC from voters including birth certificates and Native American Tribal ID that is not accurately reflected by SAVE's flawed database. States run elections and understand what must be done to protect every eligible voter, the federal government does not.
“This move is nothing more than a push to weaponize the sensitive personal information of voters in this country, an effort my office will continue to fight unrelentingly. Donald Trump is attempting to pick his desired list of voters in each state with the Social Security Administration's help. The presidential action would require that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) only send absentee ballots to those on each state's approved mail-in ballot list – upending our vote by mail system currently serving 80% of Arizona’s voters. My office is actively working with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and her team. We will not let this order stand without a fight and will meet the federal government in court to protect the right to vote for every Arizonan.”
Jocelyn Benson (Michigan)
"This executive order is illegal on its face. States run elections, not the president.
"The president couldn’t convince Congress to pass his disastrous voter suppression bill, so he’s resorted to this.
"This order will only make it harder for eligible Michigan citizens to vote and will create chaos at every step of the election process.
"The truth is that our elections are already secure. By ordering the DOJ to target state and local election officials, this administration is coming after hardworking local public servants for doing their jobs safeguarding democracy. It is meant to sow fear, confusion, and doubt among voters.
"As Secretary of State, I will protect the votes and voices of Michiganders. The law is on our side, and I will take swift action to fight this illegal order in court."
Tobias Read (Oregon):
“This is another desperate, illegal power grab that shows a total lack of respect for the American people and our Constitution. The Constitution is clear: states run elections. Oregon’s gold standard vote-by-mail elections are secure, fair, and accurate. We don’t need decrees from Washington D.C. My message to the President: We’ll see you in court.”
Steve Simon (Minnesota):
“This latest unconstitutional power grab will meet the same fate as the rest: It will not stand.
“The President does not have the authority to make unilateral changes to election laws. The U.S. Constitution gives states and Congress the responsibility to make laws on elections. Our office has helped stop his actions before and we are now exploring our legal options to stop this new order from taking effect.
“Voting by mail is secure and trustworthy. Millions of Minnesotans have used this service for decades to exercise their right to vote in a way that is convenient for them.
“Local election officials track every ballot that is sent by mail to ensure only eligible voters receive a ballot and that voters can only cast one ballot. Absentee voters who choose to vote by mail must provide a matching ID number, sign their signature envelope, and have a witness sign their ballot envelope before returning their ballot. All of that information is tracked digitally by election administrators. Voters are able to track the status of their ballot using our online ballot tracker tool. Any attempt to register or cast a ballot while ineligible is referred for investigation and potential prosecution.
“The President’s attempts to create chaos, stoke fears, and undermine our elections will not work. I will continue to stand up for every Minnesotan’s right to free and fair elections. I expect that once again, this November our state will lead the nation in voter turnout.”
Jena Griswold (Colorado):
“This Executive Order is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and dangerous. Trump once again is trying to unlawfully exert influence on states’ elections in an effort to hold onto power in the upcoming midterm elections, this time by creating a Trump voter list. While Trump says mail ballots are illegitimate, he has voted by mail ballot for years. The Constitution is clear: states oversee elections, not Trump. We look forward to this unconstitutional overreach being stopped in court.”
In Colorado, every active voter is mailed a ballot. Eligible individuals who register up to eight days before Election Day are sent a mail ballot, and eligible individuals may register to vote and vote in person up until polls close at 7:00 PM on Election Day.
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