Donald Trump has threatened to impose a requirement for voters to present photo identification in the upcoming US midterm elections, and to restrict mail-in voting, even if Congress fails to pass the Save America act. The president made the comments on Friday while travelling to his Palm Beach resort.
The Save America act, which cleared the House but faces a difficult path in the Senate, would introduce a national photo ID requirement, proof of citizenship to register, and drastically limit mail-in voting. Trump posted on social media: “There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!”
He also claimed, without evidence, that the American people are insisting on citizenship verification and no mail-in ballots, except for military, disability, illness, or travel. However, polling last year showed 58% of Americans favour allowing any voter to cast a ballot by mail.
Trump’s efforts are likely to face legal challenges, as the US constitution leaves election conduct to states. He claimed to have found legal arguments to allow federal control, but offered no specifics. He also threatened to issue an executive order if Congress does not act.
Trump has long alleged systemic voter fraud in the 2020 election without evidence. A federal judge previously blocked his executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, ruling the president lacked authority.
