President Donald Trump has recently intensified his push for voting rule changes aimed at bolstering election integrity, focusing on four key proposals: proof of citizenship, voter ID requirements, one-day voting, and a return to paper ballots. The call for proof of citizenship seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections, addressing concerns—albeit largely unsubstantiated—about noncitizen voting. While federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting, Trump’s proposal would mandate explicit documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate, at registration. This measure, exemplified by bills like the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aims to close perceived loopholes, though critics argue it could disenfranchise eligible voters who lack immediate access to such documents, including younger voters, minorities, and those who have changed their names.
 

The voter ID and one-day voting proposals further underscore Trump’s vision of a streamlined, secure process. Requiring identification at the polls, already in place in 36 states in varying forms, is framed as a commonsense safeguard against impersonation fraud, which studies show is exceedingly rare. However, Trump’s push to consolidate voting into a single day—eliminating early voting and mail-in options—marks a dramatic shift from current practices, where states like Georgia saw 71% of voters cast ballots before Election Day in 2024. Advocates argue this would simplify election administration and reduce opportunities for fraud, but opponents counter that it risks suppressing turnout among working-class, disabled, and rural voters who rely on flexible voting windows, potentially favoring demographics more aligned with Trump’s base.
 

Finally, the shift to paper ballots reflects Trump’s distrust of electronic voting machines, which he and some supporters claim are vulnerable to manipulation, despite lacking evidence of widespread issues. Most U.S. counties already use paper-based systems, either as primary ballots or backups, but Trump’s proposal envisions a uniform, manual process nationwide. Proponents highlight the tangible audit trail paper provides, enhancing transparency and public trust. Detractors, however, warn of logistical nightmares—slower counts, higher costs for staffing and equipment, and the potential for human error or tampering in hand-tabulated systems. Together, these reforms aim to project an image of ironclad elections, but their implementation could reshape voter access and election outcomes in ways that spark fierce debate over fairness versus security.