A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a preliminary injunction blocking certain provisions of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on elections. The decision comes after Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford co-led a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in challenging the order, arguing it unlawfully overstepped presidential authority.
“Today’s court decision is a win for democracy and for state sovereignty,” said AG Ford. “The Trump administration’s unconstitutional and unlawful attempt to seize control of elections from the states is an attack on democracy and the right to vote. Our state’s elections are free, fair and safe, and I will fight back against any attempt to illegally interfere with our elections for political theater.”
The coalition’s lawsuit contended that while Congress may override state election laws regarding federal contests under the Elections Clause, the Constitution does not grant similar powers to the president or executive branch to change how states conduct federal elections.
According to the attorneys general, the executive order infringed on states’ constitutional authority to regulate their own federal elections, interfered with their sovereignty, and encroached upon congressional powers over legislation and appropriations.
Joining AG Ford as co-lead on the lawsuit was California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Other participating attorneys general represent Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.