Democrats File Lawsuit Over Changes to Overseas Voter Registration Form

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Trump administration made illegal changes to the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) used by overseas voters to register and request mail ballots just weeks before the midterm elections. The DNC argues that these changes, made on an 'emergency' basis, impede the voting rights of U.S. citizens living abroad, particularly those who have never resided in the U.S. and are eligible to vote in certain states. The lawsuit alleges that the administration's actions are politically motivated, as overseas voters are more likely to lean Democratic. The Pentagon's alteration of the FPCA removed a checkbox for these citizens, which could complicate their ability to obtain ballots. The DNC is seeking a federal court ruling in Washington, D.C., to block the use of the modified form, citing violations of the Administrative Procedure Act. According to the U.S. Vote Foundation, 38 states and Washington, D.C., allow citizens born abroad to vote without establishing residency in the U.S.