WASHINGTON–President Trump issued an executive order today that will put the resources of the federal government to work helping states ensure the fairness and honesty of our elections. This order recognizes that states are primarily responsible for administering the election process, and that the federal government can assist states. The federal government also has a responsibility to investigate and prosecute those who would interfere with America’s democratic system that preserves the Republic. 

John Malcolm, vice president of the Institute for Constitutional Government and director of the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, made the following statement: 

“Protecting and enhancing the integrity of the election process has long been a top priority of the Heritage Foundation, and we have been focusing on this fundamental issue for many years. We congratulate President Trump on working to protect the most precious right that Americans have: the right to participate in the democratic process that is the core of our representational government.” 

Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow and manager of Heritage’s Election Law Reform Initiative, said:  

“Our research, studies, and unique programs, such as the Election Fraud database and the Election Integrity Scorecard, provide the information and analysis needed to guarantee the franchise and prevent the errors, mistakes, and fraud that can mar an election.  

“President Trump is finally taking the action long needed to put the resources of federal agencies like the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to work helping states, instead of trying to hinder their efforts to reform our election process, which was an unfortunate hallmark of the Biden administration.”