Nevada Secretary of State calls court ruling on Trump election order a ‘big victory’

CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) -Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is calling a federal court ruling against the Trump administration a “big victory” after a judge struck down a presidential executive order tied to voter “election requirements.”

The ruling blocks an executive order that would have mandated states require voters to provide proof of citizenship to register.

Aguilar said the decision is a recognition that states have the responsibility to run their elections.

“The constitution is very clear in that states have that duty and obligation,” Aguilar said.

Nevada and 18 other states described the ruling as an overwhelming victory in court.

The court also stopped threats to withhold funding from states that refused to comply with proof-of-citizenship requirements and it throws out a demand for states not to count ballots received after Election Day. However the Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling on the latter of the two in the coming days.

Aguilar said the executive orders were intended for partisan gain.

“I think the fact the president is trying to federalize elections shows he’s trying to influence the election, and again that’s wrong,” Aguilar said. “Voters should decide elections, the president should not choose his voters for our elections.”

Aguilar also said the cost to taxpayers if the executive orders had remained in place would have been an unfair burden.

“To hold states hostage from resources I think is detrimental to the overall responsibility of the federal government,” he said.