A new executive order has been signed that could dramatically shape the future of US elections, sparking intense national debate.

The measure, titled Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, requires voters to show proof of US citizenship when registering for federal elections.

Supporters argue the mandate is necessary to keep elections “free, fair, and honest.” Critics, however, warn it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who lack the required documents.

Under the order, acceptable proof includes a US passport, REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, military ID, or other government-issued photo identification. Without such documentation, citizens may be barred from casting a ballot in federal contests.

The order also directs state election officials to work with federal agencies to verify voter rolls and remove noncitizens. In addition, it changes mail-in voting rules: all ballots must now arrive by election day to be counted, ending policies in some states that allowed late-arriving, postmarked ballots.

Legal experts predict a wave of challenges in the courts. They argue the order may overstep presidential authority by centralizing election oversight, a responsibility traditionally managed by individual states.

Opponents warn the changes could suppress voter turnout and deepen existing barriers for marginalized groups. Backers counter that the order is a safeguard against fraud and strengthens public confidence in the system.

Adding to the controversy, the executive order threatens to withhold federal funding from states that fail to comply. Whether these provisions survive legal scrutiny is uncertain, but the order has already ignited one of the most heated debates in recent memory over voter rights and election security in the United States.