During his recent State of the Union address and related public remarks, Donald Trump suggested that Republicans should “nationalize the voting” process, arguing that the federal government should take over elections in certain states.

This statement, made in the context of a formal address to Congress and the American people, raises serious constitutional concerns.

The U.S. Constitution clearly assigns the authority to set the “time, place, and manner” of elections to the states. America does not run one centralized national election — we run 50 state-administered elections. This decentralized system is intentional. It protects federalism, prevents nationwide manipulation, and limits concentrated power.

Nationalizing elections would fundamentally alter the balance of power between states and the federal government. Such a shift would require a constitutional amendment — not a presidential declaration.

The State of the Union is meant to outline the president’s vision for the nation. If that vision includes federal takeover of election administration, Congress must respond.

We are here to defend state control of elections.

We call on Congress to publicly affirm that election administration remains under state authority unless changed through constitutional amendment.

Protect the Constitution.
Protect state sovereignty.
Defend the integrity of American elections.