Barcodes for Ballots: President Orders Voter Citizenship Scans
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 ballots to verify citizenship. It affects voters, election officials, and government agencies, aiming to stop fraud and keep elections fair. These changes start soon and may require some funding to set up the new verification systems.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mail ballots only for enrolled people
The order directs the USPS not to transmit any mail-in or absentee ballot for an individual unless that person is enrolled on a State-specific Mail-In and Absentee Participation List. States may notify USPS no fewer than 90 days before a Federal election and are encouraged to submit the list of voters to USPS no fewer than 60 days before the election; the USPS must finish a final rule on this process no later than 120 days from March 31, 2026.
Federal funds may be withheld from noncompliant States
The order directs executive branch officials to take lawful steps to deter and address noncompliance with the order, including withholding Federal funds from noncompliant States and localities where such withholding is authorized by law.
Federal citizenship lists sent to States
DHS, working with USCIS and the Social Security Administration, must compile and send each State a State Citizenship List of individuals confirmed as U.S. citizens who will be 18 or older and resident in the State; the list must be updated and transmitted no fewer than 60 days before each regularly scheduled Federal election. DHS must establish the infrastructure to compile, maintain, and transmit these lists within 90 days of March 31, 2026, and must allow individuals to access and correct their records in advance of elections.
Barcodes and official-mail rules for ballots
The order directs the Postmaster General to propose rules (within 60 days of March 31, 2026) requiring all outbound ballot mail to be marked as Official Election Mail, be automation-compatible, and bear a unique Intelligent Mail barcode (or successor technology). USPS will also provide States with Mail-In and Absentee Participation Lists that include unique ballot envelope identifiers. These requirements affect entities that design, print, and mail ballots and ballot envelopes.
Priority prosecutions for improper ballots
The Attorney General is directed to prioritize investigation and, as appropriate, prosecution of State and local officials or others who issue Federal ballots to individuals not eligible to vote in Federal elections, and of individuals or entities involved in printing, producing, shipping, or distributing ballots to ineligible individuals, under a list of federal criminal statutes cited in the order.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06286 — Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors
Starting soon, all companies that work with the federal government must stop any hiring or promotion practices that treat people differently based on race or ethnicity. This change aims to make sure everyone is judged fairly on their skills and work, saving taxpayer money by cutting unnecessary costs. Federal contractors have to follow these new rules right away, or they risk losing government contracts.
2026-05867 — Preserving America's Game
The President has declared that the Army-Navy Game, a beloved college football tradition, must have an exclusive broadcast spot on the second Saturday in December. No other college football playoff or postseason games can air at the same time, keeping the spotlight on this morale-boosting event for our Military Service Academies. Agencies will work together to make this happen, with changes starting soon and no extra costs promised yet.
2026-05497 — Establishing the Task Force To Eliminate Fraud
The government is creating a new Task Force to stop fraud in programs like housing, food, and medical aid that help Americans in need. Some States have been letting ineligible people cheat the system, costing taxpayers big money and hurting honest folks. This Task Force will crack down fast, making sure only those who truly qualify get help, saving money and protecting the safety net.
2026-05388 — Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction
This new order cuts red tape that slows down building affordable homes, making it easier and cheaper for people to buy houses. It affects builders, local governments, and homebuyers by speeding up permits and easing rules around water and land use. These changes start rolling out soon, aiming to save money and boost housing options across the country.
2026-05384 — Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit
This new order makes it easier for community and smaller banks to offer home loans by cutting red tape and updating rules. It helps more people, especially in rural and low-income areas, get fair mortgage rates and better access to credit. These changes start rolling out soon and aim to lower costs and boost competition in the mortgage market.
2026-05383 — Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming To Be Made in America
This new order makes sure companies tell the truth when they say their products are "Made in America." It mainly affects sellers and online marketplaces, pushing the FTC to crack down on fake claims and possibly create new rules to verify where products really come from. These changes aim to protect honest American businesses and shoppers, with enforcement starting soon and no direct costs announced yet.
Previous / Next Documents
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in