Staff Reports
The Biden administration’s push to increase voter registration may be breaking several federal laws, legal experts shared. The executive order signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021 directs federal agencies to work on promoting voter registration and participation. However, the lack of transparency about how this order is being carried out raises concerns about potential violations, including the Hatch Act, which prohibits political activities by certain federal employees.
Some experts suggest that allowing third-party organizations with partisan purposes to help register voters on agency premises could be a violation of the Hatch Act. The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project raised concerns that the initiative might be partisan in nature, with Democratic-leaning groups heavily involved. This kind of approach could potentially sway federal agency efforts to register voters towards a particular political party, which could be problematic.
'Partisan Voter Mobilization': Biden's Voter Registration Push May Violate Federal Law, Legal Experts Say https://t.co/KxlQwPAJnr
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 26, 2024
Additionally, legal experts pointed out the potential violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits federal employees from spending on activities not authorized by Congress. By engaging in voter registration activities without specific funding appropriated by Congress, federal employees could be breaking the law. The experts also mentioned a lawsuit by twenty-seven state legislatures in Pennsylvania, challenging Biden’s order for allegedly overstepping state legislators’ rights in changing election laws through executive actions.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of adhering to the constitutional division of powers between branches of government and levels of authority. The argument revolves around whether state legislators have the ultimate authority over election processes, as outlined in the Elections Clause. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how voter registration efforts are conducted in states like Pennsylvania and beyond.
Looking at this situation from a conservative perspective, it is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure that any efforts to promote voter registration respect legal boundaries. The principle of separation of powers is fundamental to our democracy, and any actions that blur the lines between executive, legislative, and judicial responsibilities should be thoroughly examined. Transparency and accountability in government actions are essential to maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
