President Orders Barcodes on Ballots to Verify Voter Citizenship
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
This new order makes sure only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections by using smart tools like barcodes on ballot envelopes to verify citizenship. It affects voters, election officials, and government agencies, aiming to stop fraud and keep elections fair. These changes start soon and use existing government systems, with no big new costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
USPS Rulemaking Requires Barcoded Ballot Envelopes
The Postmaster General must start a proposed rulemaking within 60 days requiring that all outbound ballot mail be marked as Official Election Mail, be automation-compatible, and bear a unique Intelligent Mail barcode (or successor technology). The proposed rule also directs that the USPS shall not transmit mail-in or absentee ballots from any individual unless that person has been enrolled on a State-specific Mail-In and Absentee Participation List, and the USPS must issue any final rule no later than 120 days from the order.
Federal 'State Citizenship List' Sent to States
The Department of Homeland Security, working with the Social Security Administration and other Federal databases, will compile and send each State a list of people confirmed to be U.S. citizens who will be 18 or older by an upcoming Federal election and who reside in that State. The State Citizenship List must be updated and transmitted to State election officials no fewer than 60 days before each regularly scheduled Federal election, and DHS must establish the supporting infrastructure within 90 days of this order (dated March 31, 2026).
Justice Department Prioritizes Election-Fraud Prosecutions
The Attorney General is directed to prioritize investigation and, as appropriate, prosecution of State and local officials or others who issue Federal ballots to people not eligible to vote in Federal elections, and of entities that print, produce, ship, or distribute ballots to ineligible individuals. The Attorney General shall also coordinate enforcement guidance to election officials and contractors.
Federal Funds May Be Withheld From Noncompliant States
The Attorney General and agency heads are authorized to take lawful steps, including withholding Federal funds from noncompliant States and localities where withholding is authorized by law, to deter and address noncompliance with Federal election laws. The order also directs States and localities to preserve election participation records (excluding ballots cast) for a 5-year period.
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