US Election Integrity Legislation and Proposals
The ACLU and Campaign Legal Center filed lawsuits on July 25, 2026, challenging the Trump administration's directive to purge voter rolls and new state election laws, alleging violations of federal law and suppression of minority voters. As of July 25, 2026, these lawsuits are active, and Hawaii election officials have voiced concerns about federal overreach. Former President Trump urged Congress on July 23, 2026, to pass the SAVE America Act, which would impose stricter federal election requirements, while Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García condemned Trump's actions as an effort to "overthrow the 2026 midterm election." The Department of Justice has sued 29 states and the District of Columbia for failing to provide voter registration lists, and multiple election fraud investigations are underway.
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July 2026 — 4 developments
ACLU and Campaign Legal Center Sue Over Voter Roll Purges and Election Laws
The ACLU and Campaign Legal Center have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's directive to purge voter rolls and new state election laws, alleging violations of federal law and suppression of minority voters. Protect Democracy issued a statement expressing grave concerns over efforts to undermine election integrity, while Hawaii election officials voiced anxieties about federal overreach into state election processes.
Trump Urges Stricter Election Laws; Congressman Condemns Midterm Election Undermining Efforts
Donald Trump urged Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would impose stricter federal election requirements including proof of citizenship and photo ID. Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García condemned Trump's actions as an effort to "overthrow the 2026 midterm election and to smear and criminalize noncitizens."
Trump Alleges Election Subversion and Foreign Interference in Prime-Time Address
Former President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address on July 17, 2026, alleging election subversion and foreign interference without presenting evidence. He also claimed states are withholding voter rolls due to concerns about non-citizen registrations. These assertions were widely criticized as baseless by Democrats and election experts.
Senate Democrats urge agencies to preserve election records amid denial concerns
Senate Democrats have instructed executive agency heads to preserve all election-related records to prevent potential cover-ups. This action is in response to concerns about coordinated efforts to undermine public trust in electoral systems ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
June 2026 — 4 developments
DOJ Sues New Jersey Over Voter Rolls; Federal Government Retains Fulton County Ballots
The DOJ is suing New Jersey to obtain voter rolls after a software glitch improperly registered approximately 6,600 non-citizens. Separately, a judge ruled the federal government can retain hundreds of ballot boxes seized by the FBI from Fulton County, Georgia, though the affidavit used for the seizure has been criticized for omitting prior inquiry findings.
US election integrity: Investigations confirmed, lawsuit filed, and bill fails
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed his office has multiple election fraud investigations underway. Separately, Common Cause and other groups filed a lawsuit in April 2026 to block the Department of Justice from creating a national voter database. Additionally, a Republican-backed election overhaul bill, the SAVE America Act, failed in the Senate in June 2026.
Donald Trump Accuses California Democrats of Election Cheating Amidst Vote Count Delays
Donald Trump accused California Democrats of "cheating" and "trying to steal" elections on June 4, 2026, citing the slow pace of vote counting in gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries. He asserted "big cheating" by Democrats and questioned the delay in vote counts.
DOJ lawsuits over voter rolls dismissed; Trump lawyers seek election subversion trial date
Federal judges in Wisconsin and Maine dismissed Department of Justice lawsuits in May 2026 seeking to compel states to provide voter rolls. Separately, President Trump's lawyers requested a trial date for federal election subversion charges in April 2026.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Judge Denies Fulton County's Request for Seized Voting Materials; DOJ Lawsuits Expand
A federal judge denied Fulton County officials' request to return over 600 boxes of voting materials seized by the FBI, stating the county had not met the legal standard for their return during an ongoing investigation. The Justice Department has also sued five additional states for failing to provide voter registration lists, bringing the total number of states sued to 29, plus the District of Columbia.
April 2026 — 8 developments
DOJ Sues Arizona and Georgia, Reaches Settlement with Arizona on Voter Rolls
The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Arizona and Georgia for failing to comply with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), alleging inadequate voter list maintenance. Separately, Arizona has reached a settlement with the DOJ to implement enhanced procedures for maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
Trump urges Republicans to 'nationalize' voting; DOJ faces setbacks in voter roll lawsuits
Donald Trump has publicly urged Republicans to "nationalize" voting and "take over" elections in certain states, a call criticized for potentially undermining state authority and democratic norms. Separately, the Justice Department has faced a setback with a federal judge dismissing a lawsuit seeking Arizona's unredacted voter rolls in April 2026, ruling the DOJ lacked legal authority.
DOJ sues Idaho over voter rolls; voting rights groups challenge national database effort
The Department of Justice has filed new lawsuits against states, including Idaho, for failing to provide voter registration lists as part of an effort to create a national voter database. Voting rights groups have also filed lawsuits against the DOJ, arguing these actions unconstitutionally federalize election administration and could lead to wrongful purges of voter data.
DOJ Sues Georgia and Tennessee Over Voting Rights Laws, Faces Court Hurdles
The Justice Department has filed new lawsuits against Georgia and Tennessee, challenging state laws that they argue restrict voting rights. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated these actions underscore the department's commitment to protecting the right to vote. Separately, the DOJ's lawsuits challenging states' voter roll purges are encountering significant legal obstacles, with critics arguing the department's interpretation of federal law is overly broad.
DOJ voter roll lawsuits face new legal challenges and appeals
The Department of Justice is continuing its lawsuits against 30 states and Washington D.C. for voter rolls, facing appeals after federal courts dismissed some cases. Voting rights groups have also filed a lawsuit to stop the DOJ's actions, alleging the department is overstepping its authority.
Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit for Rhode Island Voter Data
A federal judge dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit seeking voter registration data from Rhode Island, ruling the request was overly broad. This follows similar dismissals in other states where judges found the DOJ's actions lacked legal basis. Separately, Fulton County officials are challenging the FBI's seizure of 2020 ballots in federal court, demanding their return.
Maine Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration Over Voting Changes
Maine has joined a lawsuit challenging President Trump's administration over voting changes, adding to the legal opposition against his executive orders. Legal experts suggest these orders may be unconstitutional and could undermine the Department of Justice's ongoing lawsuits concerning state voter rolls.
Trump's lawyers seek to delay federal election subversion trial until April 2026
Election experts and Democratic groups are criticizing President Trump's executive order as unconstitutional and an attempt to suppress votes, with lawsuits already filed to block it. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to create a national list of eligible voters and restricts the U.S. Postal Service from delivering ballots to voters not on this federal list. Separately, lawyers for Donald Trump have requested his federal election subversion trial be postponed until April 2026.
March 2026 — 6 developments
Trump signs executive order targeting mail-in voting, sparking legal challenges
President Trump signed an executive order targeting mail-in voting and directing his administration to create a list of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state. The order has drawn immediate promises of legal challenges, with experts stating it is unconstitutional.
ACLU intervenes in DOJ lawsuit against New Jersey to defend voter privacy
The ACLU and ACLU of New Jersey are intervening in a Department of Justice lawsuit against New Jersey to defend voter privacy. They allege the DOJ is attempting to build a national voter database without congressional authorization and improperly question state voter rolls. This action highlights ongoing legal challenges to federal efforts to access state voter data.
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson calls Trump's election nationalization idea 'terrible'
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson stated that former President Trump's idea to 'nationalize' elections is a 'terrible idea,' emphasizing the U.S. Constitution's division of powers. Watson's comments come as Trump continues to advocate for greater federal control over voting processes.
Trump reportedly considers executive order to expand presidential authority over elections
A draft executive order reportedly circulating would allow President Trump to declare a national emergency to expand presidential authority over elections. This draft includes provisions for voters to re-register for the 2026 election, restrict mail-in voting, mandate hand-counting of results, and require voter ID with proof of citizenship.
FBI Seizes Over 650 Boxes of Fulton County Ballots and 2020 Election Materials
The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized over 650 boxes of Fulton County ballots and other 2020 election materials on January 28, 2026. This action was reportedly based on information from election skeptics, including a member of the State Election Board who had advocated for investigations into Fulton County's 2020 election. The seizure has fueled proposals for the sole use of physical ballots.
DOJ Sues Five More States Over Voter Registration Lists, Totaling 30 States
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against five additional states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Utah, for failing to provide their full voter registration lists. This action escalates a campaign by the DOJ to access voter roll information, bringing the total number of states sued to 30. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "Accurate, well-maintained voter rolls are a requisite for the election integrity that the American people deserve."
February 2026 — 11 developments
Trump calls for federal control over elections, raising concerns about 2026 voting
Former President Donald Trump has called for Republicans to "nationalize the voting," asserting federal control over election processes, which is constitutionally reserved for states. Concerns have also been raised that the Trump administration might use immigration enforcement actions near polling places during the 2026 congressional elections, despite assurances from the Department of Homeland Security that ICE agents are not planning operations targeting polling locations.
Donald Trump reportedly considers declaring national emergency to seize voting machines
Donald Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national emergency to gain more power over election administration, potentially including seizing voting machines. This suggestion comes after the FBI seized election materials from Fulton County, Georgia. Legal experts believe such actions would face immediate legal challenges.
Legal Experts: Trump's Draft Order on Elections Unconstitutional
Legal experts argue that a draft executive order by former President Trump, intended to declare a national emergency and grant him broad powers over elections, would be unconstitutional. The order reportedly includes provisions for voter re-registration, restricted mail-in voting, and mandated hand-counting. Additionally, former DOJ officials allege the FBI used a faulty warrant to seize 2020 election records in Fulton County, Georgia, as part of an investigation into potential election handling deficiencies.
Federal Judge Orders Mediation Between Fulton County and US Government Over Seized Election Records
A federal judge has ordered mediation between Fulton County and the U.S. government concerning the FBI's seizure of election records, with a March 18 deadline for progress reports. The Justice Department has also sued five additional states for failing to produce voter rolls, bringing the total to 29 states and the District of Columbia. Fulton County claims the records were 'improperly seized' based on 'flagrantly misleading' fraud claims.
Trump reportedly circulates draft executive order to declare national emergency over 2020 election
President Trump is reportedly circulating a draft executive order to declare a national emergency based on unsubstantiated claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election. This move would grant him broad powers over election processes, bypassing Congress. Allies are circulating the draft order, which is fueled by his fixation on claims of widespread voter fraud.
Trump claims Democrats win elections only through cheating, urges Senate to pass SAVE Act
Former President Donald Trump stated that Democrats can only win elections through cheating, asserting their policies are so poor that fraud is their sole path to victory. He urged the Senate to pass the SAVE Act, a bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, arguing that opposition to voter ID laws stems from a desire to cheat.
Trump urges Republicans to nationalize voting in 15 states, citing fraud concerns
President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to "nationalize" voting, suggesting federal authorities take over election administration in at least 15 states. He claims Democrats "want to cheat" and advocates for measures like photo identification and proof of citizenship for voter registration. These calls come amid ongoing concerns about election integrity and Trump's previous actions regarding election mechanics.
Trump Praises FBI Seizure of 2020 Ballots from Georgia Election Center
An emboldened President Trump has shown an increased eagerness to use federal powers to influence election mechanics, leading to fears that the midterms will not be free and fair. The FBI seized 2020 election ballots from a Georgia election center, and Trump praised the agents involved.
Democratic AGs prepare for potential Trump interference in 2026 midterms
Democratic state attorneys general are preparing for potential election interference by Donald Trump in the 2026 midterms, conducting "war games" to counter scenarios where Trump might attempt to block Democrats from regaining control of the House of Representatives. These preparations include anticipating extreme actions such as the Trump administration ordering the seizure of ballots and voting machines. The AGs are preparing for potential interference by President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
FBI seized Fulton County election materials based on old fraud claims
The FBI's seizure of Fulton County election materials was based on years-old fraud claims, according to an unsealed affidavit. Meanwhile, Trump allies are circulating a draft executive order to declare a national emergency on elections, citing Chinese interference in the 2020 election as justification to ban mail-in ballots and voting machines. These actions occur amidst ongoing DOJ lawsuits against states for voter roll data and criticism of federal election control proposals.
Trump Administration Seizes 2020 Voting Records in Georgia
The Trump administration escalated its election interference by seizing 2020 voting records in Georgia, following the issuance of confidential agreements concerning states' voter data.
January 2026 — 1 developments
FBI Seizes 2020 Election Records from Georgia Warehouse; Trump Proposes State Election Takeovers
The FBI seized hundreds of boxes of 2020 election records, including ballots and tabulator tapes, from a Georgia warehouse on January 28, 2026. Separately, Donald Trump proposed in February 2026 that Republicans should "take over" and "nationalize" elections in at least 15 states. The Department of Justice is also facing lawsuits from voting rights groups over its efforts to obtain voter rolls from states.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Justice Department Sues Six States Over Voter Registration Lists
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has filed federal lawsuits against six states for failing to produce their statewide voter registration lists upon request. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that accurate voter rolls are the cornerstone of fair elections and that the department will continue litigation until states comply with basic election safeguards. This action is part of a broader pattern of efforts to influence election mechanics.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Trump administration files statement of interest in Tina Peters case, DOJ to evaluate prosecution
The Trump administration filed a statement of interest in a case involving a former Colorado election clerk, Tina Peters, who was convicted of granting unauthorized access to voting equipment. The DOJ indicated it was evaluating if her prosecution was politically motivated, and the president directed the DOJ to take action for her release.
August 2025 — 1 developments
Trump administration launched drive to undermine American elections
A report highlighted that the Trump administration was launching a concerted drive to undermine American elections, including attempting to rewrite election rules, targeting election officials, and retreating from federal protections for voters. This was seen as an unprecedented and potentially illegal power play.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Trump and allies focused on narratives of non-citizen voting and pre-emptively denied fair election
Experts noted that the efforts to subvert the 2024 election were more organized, strategic, and coordinated than in 2020. Trump and his allies focused on narratives of non-citizen voting and pre-emptively denied the possibility of a fair election if he lost.
July 2024 — 1 developments
Trump proposes April 2026 trial date for federal election subversion case
Former President Trump has proposed an April 2026 trial date for his federal election subversion case. He continues to allege widespread election fraud despite a lack of evidence and urges Republicans to "nationalize" voting processes. The FBI previously seized hundreds of boxes of ballots and documents from a Fulton County warehouse.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Trump Urges Republicans to 'Nationalize' Elections; Voting Rights Groups Sue DOJ
Donald Trump suggested that Republican state officials should 'take over' and 'nationalize' elections in at least 15 states to prevent non-citizens from voting. In response, a coalition of voting rights groups has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, arguing that the Department of Justice's efforts to create a national voter database are unconstitutional and illegal.
September 2023 — 1 developments
Trump Introduces Election Bill Requiring Birth Certificates for Voter Registration
Former President Donald Trump has introduced the SAVE America Act, a bill proposing that citizens present a birth certificate or passport to register to vote. Trump asserts this measure will prevent voter fraud, while critics argue it could create barriers to registration for eligible voters.
August 2023 — 1 developments
Donald Trump and 18 Co-Defendants Indicted in Georgia for Alleged 2020 Election Interference
Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in Fulton County, Georgia, for their alleged efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election results. This indictment was part of a broader investigation into election subversion.
January 2021 — 1 developments
Trump's efforts to overturn 2020 election led to Capitol riot and second impeachment
Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election culminated in a riot at the U.S. Capitol, as his supporters stormed the building to protest the certification of Joe Biden's victory. This event led to Trump's second impeachment.
December 2020 — 1 developments
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Trump-backed election challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case supported by Trump and his allies, which sought to invalidate electoral votes in four states, marking a significant legal setback for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
November 2020 — 1 developments
Donald Trump's Campaign Filed Over 60 Lawsuits to Overturn 2020 Election Results
Following the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and his campaign initiated an unprecedented effort to overturn the results, filing over 60 lawsuits in multiple states. These legal challenges, which largely failed due to lack of evidence, aimed to contest election processes, vote counting, and certification.