Trump Vows to Lead Movement to End Mail-In Voting

Former President Calls for Eliminating Ballot Method, Citing Fraud Concerns

Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to lead a nationwide effort to eliminate mail-in voting, reigniting debates over election integrity and voter access. Speaking at a rally in Michigan, Trump called the practice a “breeding ground for fraud” and claimed it undermines public trust in U.S. elections.

Key Claims and Context

Trump, who has repeatedly disputed the results of the 2020 presidential election, argued that mail-in ballots contributed to irregularities. “We’re going to end the scam of mail-in voting and restore confidence in our electoral process,” he said. His remarks come as multiple Republican-led states have enacted stricter voting laws since 2020, including limits on absentee and mail-in ballots.

• Historical Precedent: Mail-in voting has been used in U.S. elections since the Civil War, with 43% of voters casting ballots by mail in 2020, according to the Census Bureau.
• Fraud Allegations: Studies by the Brennan Center and other nonpartisan groups have found voter fraud rates below 0.0001% in past elections.
• State Laws: Eight states currently conduct all-mail elections, while others offer no-excuse absentee voting.

Reactions and Pushback

Democrats and voting rights advocates condemned Trump’s proposal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it “a blatant attempt to suppress voter participation.” Meanwhile, some Republican officials expressed cautious support. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) stated, “Ensuring election security should be a bipartisan priority.”

“This isn’t about fraud—it’s about making it harder for working families and seniors to vote,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat.

Legal and Logistical Challenges

Experts note that ending mail-in voting would face significant hurdles. Election administration is largely governed by states, and federal intervention would require congressional action. Additionally, many voters—including military personnel and those with disabilities—rely on mail ballots. A 2022 Pew Research poll found that 58% of Americans support no-excuse absentee voting.

What’s Next?

Trump’s pledge signals a focus on election reforms as a central theme for his 2024 campaign. Analysts suggest the push could energize his base but risks alienating moderate voters. With key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona expanding mail-in access, the debate is likely to intensify ahead of November’s elections.