The WatchlistWatch 11
This is a Watchlist entry. It is a developing story reported by credible outlets that hasn't reached a court ruling, official finding or documented harm yet. It says what to watch for. If that happens, it moves to The Record.
Won't rule out an emergency declaration before the midterms
Developing means: Reported by credible outlets, but no ruling, official finding or documented harm yet.
Asked by Time magazine whether he would declare a state of emergency before the November midterms, Trump answered: 'I don't rule anything out or in.'
What happened
In August, when a Real America's Voice host urged him to declare a national security emergency to impose voter ID, proof of citizenship and limits on mail ballots after the SAVE America Act stalled in the Senate, Trump replied that stranger things have happened. Earlier this year, pro-Trump lawyers circulated a draft executive order that would cite alleged Chinese interference in the 2020 election as grounds for an election emergency. Election law experts say an emergency declaration gives a president no power over elections, which are run mainly by states under rules set by the Constitution and Congress. Federal law already bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections.
What to watch for
Any emergency declaration or executive order that changes how the Nov. 3 elections are run, and the court fight that would follow. If Election Day passes without one, this comes off the list.
The administration's side
When the draft order was reported in February, Trump said he wasn't considering an emergency and had never heard of it. He says mail-in voting is corrupt and argues the SAVE America Act's ID and citizenship rules are needed to secure elections.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/w-emergency/