Trump Asks Republicans to 'Nationalize Voting,' Causing Worry

Donald Trump has asked Republicans to 'nationalize the voting.' This means he wants more national control over how elections are run. Many election experts are worried about this idea.
By Newsroom | Politics, Elections |

Calls by President Trump for Republicans to "nationalize the voting" have generated significant concern among election officials and legal experts. The remarks, made on a podcast and in other public statements, suggest a desire for greater federal control over election administration, particularly in areas where Trump claims trust is lacking. These statements come amid ongoing claims of widespread electoral fraud by the President, raising questions about the potential impact on future elections, especially the upcoming midterms.

Background and Context

President Trump has repeatedly expressed distrust in the administration of elections, particularly in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. He has alleged that noncitizen voters and other irregularities have skewed results.

  • In remarks made on the podcast of Dan Bongino, Trump stated, "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting." He later elaborated, suggesting Republicans should "take over the voting, the voting in at least many, 15 places."

  • The President has also pointed to legislative proposals like the SAVE Act, which would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, as a means of extending federal oversight.

  • These sentiments follow previous Republican efforts, including calls for mid-decade redistricting to influence House seat allocations.

Evidence of Trump's Stance

Statements attributed to President Trump provide the primary evidence for these calls:

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  • "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that I won, that show I didn’t win." (USA Today)

  • "The Republicans should say, ‘We want to take over, we should take over the voting, the voting in at least many, 15 places.’" (TIME)

  • "You're going to see some interesting things come out." (ABC News)

  • When asked for clarification, a White House spokesperson referred to proposals that would extend "some federal oversight over voter rolls." (TIME)

Interpreting "Nationalize the Voting"

The exact meaning of "nationalize the voting" remains a subject of interpretation, but several potential implications have been raised:

Federal Takeover of Election Administration

One interpretation suggests a move towards federal control over how elections are run.

Why Trump’s Calls to ‘Nationalize’ Voting Have Raised Midterm Fears - 1

  • This could involve federal agencies directly administering elections or imposing uniform federal standards on state and local election processes.

  • Legal experts note that such a broad federal takeover would likely require new legislation passed by Congress. (CNN)

Increased Federal Oversight and Voter Roll Integrity

Another view centers on increased federal involvement in specific aspects of election administration, such as voter registration.

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  • Proposals like the SAVE Act, which require documentary proof of citizenship for registration, are seen as an example of this. (TIME, NPR)

  • Critics, such as those from the Brennan Center for Justice, have characterized such measures as potential "vote suppression." (NPR)

State-Level Interventions by Republican-Controlled Bodies

There is also a possibility of Republican-controlled state governments attempting to exert control over local election administration, even without direct federal involvement.

  • This could manifest as a Republican-controlled state taking over election administration in a Democratic-controlled local jurisdiction. (Votebeat)

  • However, the feasibility and legality of such actions at the state level are complex and vary by jurisdiction. (Votebeat)

Concerns and Reactions

The President's remarks have drawn sharp criticism and concern from various groups:

  • Election Officials and Experts: Nearly a dozen election officials, lawyers, and nonpartisan experts told CNN that the remarks were notable for their ambiguity and potential for unprecedented exertion of power. (CNN)

  • Legal Experts: Some legal experts suggest that a significant federal takeover of elections would face constitutional challenges and would require congressional action. (CNN)

  • Political Figures: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Trump's comments. (ABC News)

  • Concerns about Democracy: The calls have raised questions about faith in democratic processes and the potential for further attempts to influence election outcomes. (PBS, ABC News)

Constitutional and Practical Hurdles

Experts suggest that a literal interpretation of a federal takeover of elections would encounter significant obstacles:

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  • Constitutional Clause: Legal scholars point to constitutional provisions that may limit such federal authority over state-administered elections. (CNN)

  • Congressional Action Required: Any sweeping federal control would likely necessitate new legislation passed by Congress. (CNN)

  • State Infrastructure: States currently possess the established infrastructure for running elections, which would need to be navigated or superseded. (CNN)

Conclusion

President Trump's repeated calls to "nationalize the voting" represent a significant advocacy for increased federal influence over election processes. While the precise mechanisms remain ambiguous, the proposals range from enhanced federal oversight of voter rolls to a more direct federal role in election administration. These statements have prompted concerns regarding their potential impact on electoral integrity and democratic norms, with legal experts highlighting potential constitutional and practical barriers to implementing such changes. The focus now shifts to how these sentiments might translate into concrete policy proposals or actions in future election cycles.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'nationalize the voting' mean?
It could mean the national government takes more control over how elections are run or sets more rules for them.
Q: Why are people worried?
Some people worry this could change how elections work and might not be fair. They also worry about who has power over voting.
Q: Can the government 'nationalize voting'?
It's not clear. Experts say it would be hard to do and might face legal problems. It could need new laws from Congress.