Donald Trump Casts Mail-In Ballot Despite Voting Restrictions Push

President Donald Trump cast a mail-in ballot for the Florida Republican primary on August 18, 2026. This is the second time he has used a mail-in ballot in Florida this year, following a special state house election in March. The action contrasts with his public claims that mail-in voting is "crooked as hell," "cheating," and susceptible to fraud.

The White House defended the president's decision, stating that while he is a resident of Palm Beach, he primarily resides at the White House in Washington, D.C. Administration officials noted that the SAVE America Act, which Trump is urging Congress to pass, includes "commonsense exceptions" for mail-in ballots in cases of travel, illness, disability, or military service.

Trump has actively sought to limit mail-in voting through both legislative and executive channels. In March, he signed an executive order to restrict the practice, though federal courts have temporarily blocked that order. The SAVE America Act would further restrict mail-in ballots and require government-issued ID and documentary proof of citizenship to vote. In Palm Beach County, election officials have blocked public access to Trump's voting records, citing state law.