Trump Launches Movement Against Mail-In Voting Ahead of 2026 Elections

United States President Donald Trump announced on August 18, 2023, that he will spearhead a movement aimed at eliminating mail-in voting, a method utilized by nearly one-third of American voters. This initiative comes as the nation approaches the midterm elections in 2026, during which mail-in ballots are expected to play a significant role.

Trump, who has consistently criticized postal voting despite having used it himself, claims this effort is necessary to ensure “honesty” in the electoral process. He stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, “I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we’re at it, Highly Inaccurate, Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES.”

Mail-in Voting: A Point of Contention

Currently, mail-in and absentee ballots can be counted after Election Day in 18 states, provided they are postmarked by that date. According to estimates, over 30 percent of ballots cast in the 2024 election were sent by mail. Despite ongoing claims from Trump regarding the insecurity of this voting method, there is no substantial evidence supporting these assertions. Pro-democracy organizations warn that abolishing mail-in voting could disenfranchise millions of Americans, particularly those with disabilities or those facing difficulties in voting in person.

During his campaigns in 2020 and 2024, Trump disseminated misinformation about mail-in voting, alleging that it led to widespread fraud that contributed to his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. He reiterated this stance on Fox News, referencing comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed that mail-in voting undermines election integrity. Trump quoted Putin, stating, “He said, ‘Your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting.’ He said, ‘Mail-in voting, every election. No country has mail-in voting. It’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.’”

International Context and Legal Challenges

Data from International IDEA indicates that 34 countries worldwide permit in-country postal voting, including Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This contrasts with Trump’s assertions regarding the practice’s validity. In March, Trump issued an executive order directing then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against states that counted mail-in ballots received after Election Day, leading to a legal challenge. A judge ruled against Trump, asserting that he lacked the authority to dictate state election rules.

Despite his public opposition, Trump has voted by mail multiple times, including in Florida during the 2020 primary elections and in New York in previous years. Notably, he voted in person during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. In a surprising turn in 2024, Trump initiated a campaign titled “Swamp The Vote USA,” which aimed to encourage postal ballots, reflecting a pragmatic acknowledgment of the voting preferences of many of his supporters.

As the political landscape evolves, Trump’s focus on mail-in voting is likely to shape discourse leading up to the 2026 elections. With a significant portion of the electorate relying on mail-in ballots, the implications of his movement could have lasting effects on voter accessibility and election integrity in the United States.