By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey has joined a coalition of states in filing a federal lawsuit challenging a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump that seeks to change how elections are administered nationwide.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and officials from 23 other states, along with one governor, filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
The legal action argues that the order unlawfully interferes with states’ constitutional authority to run elections, particularly by attempting to create a federally controlled list of eligible voters and restricting mail-in voting.
The executive order, signed March 31, directs that mail ballots be sent only to voters on a federal list and threatens states with penalties, including potential loss of funding, if they do not comply.
State officials argue the move would force them to override their own voter registration systems and election laws.
The coalition maintains that the U.S. Constitution grants states primary authority over elections and does not permit unilateral changes by the president without congressional approval.
They also warn that implementing such changes so close to upcoming elections could create confusion and disrupt established voting systems.
New Jersey officials emphasized that vote-by-mail has been a long-standing and secure option for residents, accounting for a significant portion of ballots cast in recent elections. 
Safeguards include voter verification measures such as signature matching and unique ballot tracking.
The lawsuit seeks to block the federal government from enforcing the order, arguing it violates constitutional principles and could disenfranchise eligible voters.