Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Apr. 4 that he has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against President Trump, challenging an executive order related to federal control over state election procedures. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and contests an order signed by President Trump on March 31 that would require states to use a federally authorized list of eligible voters and direct the U.S. Postal Service to send mail ballots only to those listed.
The case is significant because it raises questions about state authority in administering elections and potential impacts on voter access. The attorneys general argue that the executive order threatens to disenfranchise eligible voters and violates states’ constitutional powers.
“This is a blatant attempt by Donald Trump to sow confusion and distrust in our democratic processes and to influence the midterm elections for his own personal gain,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “This order does not affect balloting for the April 21 referendum, but if left in place it will disenfranchise voters in the November election. This fearmongering and arrogation of States’ authority is plainly unconstitutional. I’m proud to join attorneys general across the country in defending the right to the franchise and to use every legal tool available to us to stop the president’s illegal power grab.”
According to Jones, Virginia’s current voting process remains unaffected for ongoing local elections, with officials working “to deliver another election that’s free, fair, safe, and secure.” The coalition argues that implementing such changes would disrupt established election systems just months before major voting periods begin.
The lawsuit contends that under both state and federal law all eligible voters are entitled to cast ballots by mail if they meet their state’s requirements—a practice used widely across parties and demographics—including by President Trump himself.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel for state agencies while promoting public safety as detailed online, addresses issues such as human trafficking through advocacy efforts according to its site, offers consumer protection resources as noted online, serves all Virginians statewide according to its official website, and Miyares currently holds office as Virginia’s 48th attorney general as reported online.
Joining Attorney General Jay Jones are colleagues from Massachusetts, California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont,and Wisconsin.
The broader implications could affect how states maintain control over their electoral processes versus federal oversight—an issue likely headed for further court review.
