The President on March 31, 2026, signed an executive order directing federal agencies to compile citizenship lists for states and directing the United States Postal Service to initiate proposed rulemaking for mail-in and absentee ballots.
The document, released April 3, 2026, states the measures are intended to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections and to enforce existing federal laws. The order says secure ballot identifiers will reduce the risk of fraud without unduly burdening eligible voters.
Under the order, to the extent feasible and consistent with applicable law, the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration must create a “State Citizenship List” for each state. The list will include individuals confirmed as United States citizens who will be 18 or older by an upcoming federal election. The agencies must send these lists to state election officials at least 60 days before regularly scheduled federal elections. The order notes that appearing on the list does not mean a person is registered to vote, as state laws and procedures must still be followed.
The order also directs the Postmaster General to propose rules for mail-in and absentee ballots within 60 days. The proposed rules would require all outbound ballot mail to include an official marking and a unique barcode that facilitates tracking. Additionally, the Postal Service would provide states with a “Mail-In and Absentee Participation List.”
According to the order’s requirements for the rulemaking, proposed provisions would specify that the Postal Service shall not transmit mail-in or absentee ballots for individuals unless they are enrolled on this list with the agency. A final postal rule must be issued within 120 days of the order.
To enforce the changes, the order directs the Attorney General to prioritize the investigation and, as appropriate, prosecution of officials or entities that distribute federal ballots to ineligible voters. Executive agencies are instructed to deter noncompliance by withholding federal funds from noncompliant states and localities where authorized by law. The order also asks states and localities to preserve voter participation records, such as ballot envelopes, for five years.