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The Trump administration still aims to make state citizenship lists ahead of midterms

Sep 3, 2026 · Jude Joffe-Block

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

The Trump administration still aims to make state citizenship lists ahead of midterms
Voters at a polling place last month in Shelby, Michigan. The U.S. has not ever attempted to create a comprehensive list of American citizens before this administration and maintaining voter lists is the responsibility of states — not the federal government as the Constitution dictates that states control elections.
Voters at a polling place last month in Shelby, Michigan. The U.S. has not ever attempted to create a comprehensive list of American citizens before this administration and maintaining voter lists is the responsibility of states — not the federal government as the Constitution dictates that states control elections.

The Trump administration is taking the unprecedented step of creating lists of adult citizens who are eligible to vote in each state – but will not meet its own deadline 60 days before Election Day.

(Image credit: Scott Olson)

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