Donald Trump Vows Executive Order to Ban Mail-In Voting

President Donald J. Trump announced plans to issue an executive order before the 2026 midterm elections to eliminate mail-in voting and electronic voting machines. Trump characterized mail-in ballots as a "scam" and a "hoax," claiming the practice facilitates massive voter fraud and that the United States is nearly the only country in the world to use such a system.

Trump asserted that state governments act as agents for the federal government and must comply with presidential directives to ensure election integrity. He proposed replacing voting machines with sophisticated watermark paper. This shift in position follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly told Trump that the 2020 election was rigged due to mail-in voting.

Democratic leaders and legal experts have challenged the legality of the proposed order, arguing that the U.S. Constitution grants state legislatures and Congress the authority to regulate elections. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek vowed to protect access to democracy, stating that states hold the authority to conduct elections. Other critics, including Representative Debbie Dingell, argued the move would curtail access for seniors, disabled voters, and overseas military personnel.

Local officials have warned of the logistical and financial burdens of a ban. Malheur County Clerk Gayle Trotter noted that shifting to in-person voting would require significant funding for new polling locations and staff. Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center survey found that 58% of Americans support mail-in voting, though support is heavily split along party lines.