The multistate coalition is challenging the "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections" executive order, which directs federal agencies to create master federal voter rolls by state and requires the U.S. Postal Service to refuse delivery of mail ballots from voters not on federal rolls.
The order also threatens state election officials with prosecution for carrying out their duties and pressures states to comply through threats of withholding federal funds. Under the order, states would be required to preserve election records for longer periods than existing law requires, at their own expense.
"This executive order is yet another attempt to disenfranchise voters and sow distrust in our electoral system as we head into the next election cycle," James said. "Our elections are and always have been free, fair, and secure, and we will not allow this administration to attack the very foundation of our nation."
The coalition argues the order violates the Constitution by attempting to override states' authority to administer elections. They warn the demands would force last-minute changes to election systems ahead of upcoming federal elections, potentially disrupting primaries within weeks and the 2026 general election preparation.
The attorneys general contend the order would create widespread confusion and chaos by imposing conflicting federal voter lists and restricting mail ballot delivery, risking disenfranchisement of eligible voters and disrupting elections already underway.
Attorney General James and 18 other attorneys general already secured a court order blocking a prior unlawful executive order on elections last year. The coalition emphasizes that courts have repeatedly affirmed that the president cannot bypass Congress or the Constitution to rewrite the rules governing federal elections.
The coalition is asking the federal court to declare the executive order unconstitutional and prevent federal agencies from enforcing its provisions. Joining James are attorneys general from California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as Pennsylvania's governor.