President Donald Trump is currently pushing to eliminate mail-in ballots for the upcoming 2026 elections. He claims these ballots are corrupt and unfairly benefit Democrats. In a recent social media post, he mentioned that “the best lawyers in the country” are drafting an executive order to address this issue.
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump suggested that mail-in voting is the primary tool Democrats use to win elections. Interestingly, mail-in ballots played a role in his victory over Kamala Harris in 2024. However, Trump has consistently alleged, without evidence, that voter fraud occurred during the 2020 election, largely attributing this to mail-in ballots and voting machines.
What Exactly is Mail-In Voting?
Mail-in voting allows people to vote from home by sending in their ballots. Eight states, along with Washington, D.C., conduct all elections entirely by mail: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington state. Only Nevada and Utah voted for Trump in 2024.
Most other states provide at-home ballots that voters can return either by mail or designated drop boxes. This method gained popularity during the 2020 election when the pandemic kept many people home. According to election data, 43% of votes cast in 2020 were mail-in ballots, while that number dropped to 30% in 2024.
Why the Opposition?
Trump argues that mail-in voting fosters corruption, often claiming it leads to voter fraud. While Democratic voters have relied more on mail-in ballots since 2020, research indicates that this has not given them an unfair advantage. Paradoxically, in 2024, Trump supported mail-in voting for his followers, urging them to “vote any way possible.” In fact, in key states like North Carolina, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, Republicans actively embraced mail-in ballots.
Can the President Change Voting Laws?
The answer is no. The U.S. Constitution states that each state’s legislature is responsible for determining the “times, places and manner” of elections. While Congress has some power to alter regulations, the President does not have control over how states conduct their own elections. Election law expert Rick Hasen emphasized this point, labeling Trump’s claims as “wrong and dangerous.”
Is Mail-In Voting Unique to the U.S.?
Mail-in voting has been part of U.S. elections since the 19th century and has changed significantly over time. In an earlier statement, Trump claimed the U.S. is the only country with mail-in voting, but he later admitted he might’ve been mistaken. In reality, about 34 countries allow some form of mail-in voting. Remarkably, 12 of these, including Canada, Germany, and South Korea, permit all voters to cast their ballots by mail.
Overall, Trump’s comments and actions reflect a complex relationship with mail-in voting, marked by both support and opposition. As we head toward the 2026 elections, the debate around mail-in ballots continues to evolve, with implications that could shape future election laws in the U.S.
For further insights, you can check out authoritative sources such as the U.S. Election Assistance Commission or the International IDEA for global election practices.
