Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections

3/31/2026
Executive Orders

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Action Summary

  • Purpose and Policy: Establish that only U.S. citizens may vote in Federal elections; utilize Social Security Administration (SSA) records and DHS’s SAVE program to verify voter eligibility and prevent fraudulent activities.
  • State Citizenship Lists:
    • Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with SSA, will compile and transmit State Citizenship Lists of U.S. citizens (aged 18+ with state residency) to State election officials at least 60 days before elections.
    • Lists will be derived from federal citizenship, naturalization records, SSA, SAVE data, and other databases; procedures will be established for individuals to update or correct their data.
  • Enforcement of Election Fraud Laws: Attorney General to prioritize investigations and prosecutions against any officials or entities issuing ballots to non-eligible voters, with reference to multiple federal statutes.
  • USPS Rulemaking on Mail-In and Absentee Ballots:
    • Postmaster General directed to propose new rules within 60 days covering the mailing process for ballot envelopes – including requirements for official markings, automation-compatible envelope design, and Intelligent Mail barcodes.
    • States can notify USPS no less than 90 days before an election regarding mail-in ballot plans, with enrollment of eligible voters for ballot transmission.
    • USPS to provide States with corresponding Mail-In and Absentee Participation Lists and unique ballot envelope identifiers.
  • Implementation and Coordination: DHS, SSA, the USPS, and the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate on compiling data, establishing infrastructure for the State Citizenship List, and ensuring compliance with Federal law.
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: Withholding of Federal funds and other lawful measures by the Attorney General and executive agencies to deter noncompliance; preservation of election records for up to five years.
  • General and Procedural Provisions:
    • Inclusion of severability clause ensuring continuation of valid provisions if any part of the order is deemed invalid.
    • Clarification that the order does not impair existing executive authority or rights under the law and must be implemented consistent with available appropriations.

Risks & Considerations

  • The Executive Order mandates strict citizenship verification processes for federal elections, which could lead to increased scrutiny and potential challenges for eligible voters. This may raise concerns about voter suppression, particularly among marginalized groups, affecting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • There is a risk that the implementation of this order will create confusion among voters regarding their registration status and eligibility, potentially resulting in lower voter turnout. Such outcomes could impact the civic engagement initiatives that Vanderbilt promotes, affecting the university’s role in fostering an informed citizenry.
  • The establishment of State Citizenship Lists and the prioritization of investigations into election fraud may lead to legal challenges and disputes between states and federal authorities. This could create a complex regulatory environment that institutions like Vanderbilt must navigate, particularly in relation to student engagement in political processes.
  • The requirement for unique ballot envelope identifiers and the involvement of the U.S. Postal Service in election processes could introduce logistical challenges and potential delays in mail-in voting, impacting students who may rely on absentee ballots while attending the university.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Civic Engagement may need to adapt its outreach and education programs to address the changes in voting laws, ensuring that students are informed about their voting rights and the registration process.
  • The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see an increased demand for research on the impacts of voter verification laws on civic participation, providing opportunities for collaboration on studies regarding electoral engagement.
  • Vanderbilt’s Legal Clinic may encounter cases related to voter rights and election law, necessitating an expansion of legal resources and support for affected individuals.
  • There may be implications for student organizations focused on political activism and voter mobilization, as they navigate the changing legal landscape and work to educate peers about new voting requirements.

Financial Impact

  • The increased federal oversight and the potential for legal challenges surrounding election processes could lead to shifts in funding for civic engagement initiatives, requiring Vanderbilt to seek alternative funding sources to support these programs.
  • Vanderbilt University might need to allocate resources towards compliance with new regulations and procedures associated with the Executive Order, impacting budgetary considerations across various departments.
  • Changes in voter turnout and engagement could affect the demographic composition of students applying to Vanderbilt, which may have financial implications in terms of tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
  • Potential federal funding opportunities related to civic engagement and electoral research could arise, allowing Vanderbilt to secure grants aimed at addressing the impacts of voter verification laws.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

  • The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implementation of the new State Citizenship List to ensure compliance and alignment with federal regulations. Engaging with state officials to understand how these lists will affect voter registration processes will be essential for anticipating any changes in federal election law.
  • Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should prepare to address potential legal challenges stemming from the enforcement of this executive order. This may involve providing guidance on compliance with voter registration laws and the implications of the new ballot identification requirements.
  • The Department of Political Science should conduct assessments on the impacts of citizenship verification on voter participation and election integrity. This research could contribute to a broader understanding of how such measures influence democracy and civic engagement.
  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness should evaluate how changes in election integrity laws might affect student voter registration and participation rates. This assessment can inform strategic outreach efforts to ensure that the student body remains engaged in federal elections.
  • The Community Engagement Office should develop programs to educate students and local communities about the new voting regulations and their rights as voters. This initiative could enhance voter awareness and participation, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Opportunities

  • The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions to engage in research and advocacy around election integrity and citizenship verification. By positioning itself as a thought leader, Vanderbilt can influence policy discussions on the implications of these changes.
  • Vanderbilt can leverage its resources to partner with local organizations focusing on voter education and outreach. Collaborating on initiatives that promote understanding of the new regulations may enhance the university’s community relations and civic engagement efforts.
  • The emphasis on secure ballot envelope identifiers suggests an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Engineering School to contribute to technological innovations in election security. Research on improving ballot tracking systems could align with the university’s mission and attract potential funding.
  • By hosting forums and discussions on the implications of the executive order, Vanderbilt can establish itself as a hub for dialogue on democracy and civic responsibility. This could attract national attention and increase the university’s visibility in political discourse.
  • The university may explore educational programs aimed at increasing student involvement in the electoral process, aligning with the order’s focus on citizenship and voting rights. Initiatives like voter registration drives or civic education workshops could foster a more engaged student body.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order requires major process changes to ensure compliance and engagement with new voting regulations.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

  • Within 60 days: The Postmaster General is directed to initiate a proposed rulemaking for mail-in and absentee ballot standards.
  • Within 60 days: The State Citizenship List must be updated and transmitted to State election officials at least 60 days before each regularly scheduled Federal election (or promptly upon special request).
  • Within 90 days: The Secretary of Homeland Security must establish the infrastructure to compile, maintain, and transmit the State Citizenship List.
  • No later than 120 days: The final rule regarding USPS mail procedures for election ballots must be issued.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS, through its United States Citizenship and Immigration Services division, is responsible for compiling and transmitting the State Citizenship List and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the order’s implementation.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA): SSA is tasked with providing citizenship and identity data that support the verification process and aid in compiling the State Citizenship and Mail-In/Absentee Participation Lists.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ): The Attorney General, representing the DOJ, is directed to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of violations, including those involving non-eligible voter mail practices and election fraud.
  • United States Postal Service (USPS): USPS is mandated to initiate rulemaking on mail-in and absentee ballot procedures, ensuring measures such as unique ballot envelope identifiers and compliance with mailing standards.
  • Department of Commerce: The Department of Commerce is involved through coordination efforts to facilitate the implementation of the order’s various aspects.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The OMB is referenced to ensure that the order does not impair existing budgetary and administrative functions, indicating an oversight role regarding financial and procedural impacts.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six federal agencies are directly impacted by this executive order.)

Responsible Officials

  • Secretary of Homeland Security – Tasked with compiling, maintaining, and transmitting the State Citizenship List and designating a point of contact within DHS.
  • Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Expected to work under DHS direction to assist in compiling and transmitting the State Citizenship List.
  • Commissioner of the Social Security Administration – Responsible for providing all necessary citizenship and identity data in support of the State Citizenship List.
  • Postmaster General – Directed to initiate proposed rulemaking regarding mail-in and absentee ballot procedures and coordinate with other USPS entities.
  • Attorney General – Charged with prioritizing investigations and prosecutions related to election fraud, and enforcing compliance with applicable Federal statutes.
  • Secretary of Commerce – Required to coordinate with DHS, SSA, and USPS to effectuate aspects of this order’s implementation.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple Cabinet-level officials whose actions have significant national implications.)

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