SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama criticized a U.S. Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for parts of President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting to proceed while litigation continues.
The Supreme Court issued its order Aug. 24 in Trump v. California. The Court stayed a lower-court injunction after concluding that the states challenging the executive order were unlikely, at this stage, to establish standing for their claims. The ruling did not finally decide whether the executive order itself is constitutional.
Trump’s March executive order directs federal agencies to create citizenship lists for states, calls for investigation of election officials who issue federal ballots to people deemed ineligible, and seeks new U.S. Postal Service requirements for mailing and transmitting absentee ballots.
Sewell, a Democrat representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District and the ranking member on the House Elections Subcommittee, said Aug. 25 that the decision could create “chaos and confusion” shortly before the November midterm elections. She argued that voting by mail is secure and pledged to continue opposing restrictions she believes could make voting more difficult.
Supporters of tighter election rules say additional verification measures are intended to protect election integrity. Opponents argue that the federal government is intruding on authority traditionally exercised by states. Further litigation over the executive order remains pending.
The Supreme Court’s action addressed whether an injunction should remain in effect during the case, not the ultimate legality of every provision.
For Alabama voters, the decision arrives amid broader national disputes over election administration, voting access and the balance of authority between states and the federal government.