Judge blocks implementation of certain parts of Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting

A federal judge in Washington state on Friday halted the Trump administration from implementing major provisions of an executive order aimed at altering how states run federal elections, concluding the president overstepped his authority.

U.S. District Judge John Chun, appointed by former President Biden, ruled that key sections of Executive Order 14248 could not be applied to Washington or Oregon, finding they conflicted with the Constitution’s separation of powers. 

The order requires that applicants provide proof of citizenship to register to vote and that mail ballots be received by Election Day.

In his decision, Chun said the order attempted to impose requirements beyond the scope of presidential authority, which is limited when it comes to state administration of elections.