Chicago Lawyers' Committee Statement on Executive Order Attacking Voting Rights

Mar 27

Written By CLCCRUL

Dear CLC community,

Our democracy is being tested like never before. The President signed an executive order this week, that is a direct attack to the voting rights of many Americans and is an attempt to intimidate and suppress voting, especially within communities who already face unfair exclusion and barriers in our election system.

This executive order is an overreach of presidential power, undermining voter access and attacking state and local election authorities who run our elections, without legal authority. The executive order seeks to impose proof of citizenship requirements on voter registration applications, increase inspection of each state’s voter registration list, restrict absentee and mail-in voting, and undo protections for eligible voters who are impacted by incarceration. These actions are intended to build on the unsubstantiated and racialized narrative of non-citizens and ineligible individuals voting in our elections.

This executive order along with proof of citizenship requirements in an increasing number of states, including Indiana, are seeking a solution to a problem that does not exist. Voters already attest to their citizenship under the threat of severe penalties for lying, including deportation. The overwhelming evidence shows that non-citizens do not vote in our elections, and imposing additional barriers to voting will have a harmful impact.

Democracy does not protect itself. We must hold our leaders accountable in this moment and insist that they take action to safeguard the freedom to vote. This is why Chicago Lawyers’ Committee is working with United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) on the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2025 to strengthen sorely needed voter protections at the state level, especially given the erosion of federal protections.

We stand firm in our commitment to supporting all eligible voters as they exercise their right to vote and in our opposition to any policies that threaten their voting rights. We continue to serve as a resource in this time when voters are facing fear and confusion. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our democracy and ensure that every eligible voter can have their voice heard.

REMINDER: Voters encountering problems or questions while voting or registering to vote can call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak to a trained legal volunteer, including during the municipal elections in many Illinois communities on April 1, 2025. Voters can also call the following language lines: