The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is suing the Trump administration for altering a federal voter registration form that publicly registration voters overseas.
According to the lawsuit, the Department of Defense (DOD) took a box from the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), a U.S. citizen abroad’s form, to register to vote and request absentee ballots. The DNC pointed out that the change follows an emergency declaration by the department which exempted it from the typical notice and comment procedure.
The cancelled choice was for U.S. citizens born overseas, but never residing in the U.S. A number of these are children of American citizens. They are determined by state laws, and if they apply they may vote in 38 states and Washington, D.C.Their eligibility is determined by state laws, and if they apply they may vote in 38 states and Washington, D.C.
The DNC says eliminating the option could hinder eligible overseas citizens’ ability to register, get absentee ballots. The suit wants to be able to get back the old wording of the FPCA, and overturn the procedure in approving the changes.
The conflict is occurring at the same time as the law and political battle over voting rights for Americans who were born overseas but have never lived in the United States. Republican groups have been fighting for restrictions on such voters in various states and voting-rights organizations have been alarmed about the availability of absentee ballots.
Reports indicate DOD has not yet responded to requests for comment concerning the lawsuit. Of course, officials say that the changes have been made necessary by the administration, and the DNC disagrees.
The case was brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 1. The court has not ruled on whether the new form will continue to be used or if the old form needs to be reinstated.