President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to change various aspects of the election system, including voting procedures, voter management, and redistricting, to benefit his position ahead of the midterm elections in November, according to a report by The New York Times on July 2.
The Times analyzed that these efforts are not merely about reforming election procedures but are more about establishing a political foundation to challenge unfavorable election outcomes.
According to the report, Trump has attempted to intervene in areas of election management traditionally overseen by state governments. He has pushed for executive orders to strengthen voter registration and mail-in voting procedures.
The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have also aligned with these initiatives. The Justice Department has demanded that states submit their voter rolls, while the Homeland Security Department has investigated allegations of illegal voting by non-citizens. However, no substantial evidence of widespread voter fraud has been confirmed.
Many of these measures have faced legal challenges. Courts have blocked significant portions of the executive orders, ruling that the president cannot infringe upon state authority in managing elections.
Trump is also pressuring Congress to advance the so-called "Save America Act," which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandate photo identification at the polls.
The White House claims these measures are aimed at enhancing election security. However, civil rights groups and election experts argue that they could suppress participation among legitimate voters.
In several Republican-dominated states, redistricting efforts are also underway. The Times reported that "Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have been working on redistricting plans that favor the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections."
Trump continues to refuse to acknowledge his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. His administration has sought the submission of records related to that election and voting equipment. Personnel actions targeting prosecutors and FBI agents involved in the investigations of the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol riot have also occurred.
Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the Brennan Center's voting rights and elections program, stated, "The goal is to create confusion and distrust in the election process, which can suppress voter participation and lay the groundwork for contesting the results after the election."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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