WASHINGTON, DC—The League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following statement on reports that the President is preparing an executive order to impose federal control over American elections: 

“Reports that the President is preparing a sweeping executive order to seize federal control over American elections are not only alarming, they are also dangerous. 

“This is another power grab from this Administration. This possible EO is not about election security. It is about political power and attempts to make it harder for eligible Americans to register, cast a ballot, and have their voices heard. 

“Court after court has already affirmed what the Constitution makes clear. The President’s authority over the administration of elections is minimal to nonexistent. The power to run elections rests with Congress and the states, not the White House. 

“The League of Women Voters has successfully challenged unlawful executive overreach before. In case after case, and through multistate injunctions issued by federal courts nationwide, judges have blocked efforts to interfere in election administration, restrict voter access, and unlawfully expand presidential power. 

“Any effort to mandate restrictive voter ID requirements, limit mail-in voting, or impose national voting rules through executive action would be a direct attack on voters and an abuse of power that will not withstand legal scrutiny. 

“The conduct of our elections is not for any president to decide. And it must never be manipulated to serve a political agenda. 

“The League of Women Voters stands ready to return to court if necessary. We will challenge any executive action that suppresses voters, undermines free and fair elections, or violates the constitutional framework that protects our democracy.” 

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