President Trump’s sweeping executive order on Tuesday, March 25, directs federal agencies to enforce federal election laws more aggressively and imposes new conditions on funding, data sharing, and election system certification. The order outlines significant changes that could affect how Maryland counties support and administer elections.

The executive order directs the Election Assistance Commission to revise the national mail voter registration form to require documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport. It also pressures states to adopt similar requirements and stop counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day by tying compliance to continued access to federal funding.

Federal Focus on Voter Eligibility and Documentation

The order requires the US Election Assistance Commission to revise the national mail voter registration form to include documentary proof of US citizenship. It also directs federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, to provide state and local election officials with access to federal databases to verify voter eligibility.

Counties fund and support local boards of elections, which oversee voter registration and public outreach. Any change in documentation requirements or verification protocols could create new administrative burdens for local election operations.

Changes to Voting Systems and Federal Certification

The order instructs the Election Assistance Commission to revise the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines and re-certify all voting systems under new standards. These standards restrict the use of barcoded ballots and prioritize voter-verifiable paper records.

The State Board of Elections and Local boards may need to review current equipment and prepare for changes in voting system certifications. Any shift in standards could affect vendor availability and future procurement planning.

Election Day Deadlines and Federal Enforcement

The Department of Justice will now enforce federal laws requiring all ballots in federal elections to be received by Election Day. The order also directs the Election Assistance Commission to tie federal funding to state compliance with this deadline.

Maryland law allows local boards to count certain mailed ballots if postmarked by Election Day and received shortly after. If federal agencies impose a stricter interpretation of ballot receipt deadlines, counties may need to adjust mail ballot procedures and public communications.

List Maintenance and Data Access

The order emphasizes voter registration list maintenance as a federal priority. It requires federal agencies to provide access to immigration, Social Security, and other records to help election officials verify eligibility. It directs the Department of Justice to monitor state list maintenance practices and take enforcement action where necessary.

Counties rely on accurate voter registration lists to support efficient elections and reduce confusion at polling places. New federal database access and reporting expectations could affect how counties coordinate with the State Board of Elections on registration updates.

What Comes Next

The order raises significant questions about how federal agencies will implement these directives and how courts interpret their scope. Maryland’s election system may face adjustments depending on the federal response, particularly around voter registration procedures, ballot receipt policies, and equipment standards.

MACo will continue tracking this evolving policy environment and advocating consistency, clarity, and sufficient support for local governments carrying out election responsibilities.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.