US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to overhaul US federal elections, including by requiring voters to show proof of citizenship and limiting when states can receive mail-in ballots,
BBC reports.
Experts warn the move could disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not have easy access to a passport or other legal documents proving they have the right to vote.
It is unclear how enforceable the order is, given US states have wide legal leeway to determine how they run their elections. It is expected to be challenged in court.
The order, titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections", was signed by Trump on Tuesday at the White House.
"Election fraud. You've heard the term. We're going to end it, hopefully. At least this will go a long way toward ending it," Trump said as he signed the order on Tuesday.
The order says that the US has failed "to enforce basic and necessary election protections" and calls on states to co-operate with the the White House or risk losing access to federal funding if they do not require proof of citizenship.
It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in elections.
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
