Federal agencies would build citizenship lists and propose mail-ballot tracking rules

The Secretary of Homeland Security must create and send State Citizenship Lists to each State’s chief election official. Lists cover confirmed U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 by an upcoming Federal election and live in the State. The work must follow applicable law, including privacy rules and data-use agreements. Being on the list does not register anyone to vote or override State eligibility rules. Individuals must be able to review, correct, and update their records, and States may suggest changes. Lists must be sent at least 60 days before each regularly scheduled Federal election, or promptly when a State requests one for a special Federal election. Homeland Security must establish the needed system within 90 days of March 31, 2026.

The Postmaster General must start a proposed rulemaking on USPS handling of Federal mail-in and absentee ballots. The proposed rules would cover ballot envelopes, State notices and voter lists, USPS enrollment, unique ballot identifiers, and cooperation on suspected mail-related violations. These are proposed requirements, not immediate changes to how ballots are mailed. A State may choose to notify USPS that it plans to use USPS for mail-in or absentee ballots. Any final rule must follow applicable law and privacy requirements. The proposed rulemaking must begin within 60 days of March 31, 2026. Any final rule must be issued within 120 days of that date.

The Attorney General must prioritize investigations and, when appropriate, prosecutions involving unlawful Federal election ballots. The direction covers State and local election officials, ballot producers and distributors, contractors, private entities, and others involved in issuing or handling ballots for ineligible people. A person is eligible under the order only if they are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 by the election date, and otherwise qualified under State law. Agencies may withhold Federal funds from noncompliant States or localities only when another law allows it. States and localities should preserve records showing Federal-election voter participation for five years, but not cast ballots. The order gives no separate deadline for investigations, prosecutions, or record preservation; the five-year period applies to preserved participation records.