Republicans Promote Mail-In Voting Despite Donald Trump's Opposition

Republican party officials and activists are actively encouraging voters to use mail-in and absentee ballots for the 2025 elections, directly contradicting public demands from Donald Trump. The president has used social media to vow he will lead a movement to eliminate mail-in voting, characterizing the process as dishonest and calling for a return to paper ballots only.

Despite this rhetoric, state branches of the party are prioritizing voter turnout to remain competitive. In Pennsylvania, the GOP and the Republican State Leadership Committee are promoting mail voting for a judicial retention election to unseat three state Supreme Court justices. Data shows approximately 12,000 more Republicans requested mail ballots for this election than in the 2023 municipal cycle. Donald Trump Jr. has also appeared in advertisements urging Pennsylvania voters to join mail-in lists to ensure they are not sidelined by work or family responsibilities.

Similar efforts are appearing in other states, with the California Republican Party promoting mail-in ballots to oppose Proposition 50. In New Jersey, gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli reported record numbers of Republicans returning mail ballots. Party leaders and fundraisers, including Jim Worthington, argue that robust vote-by-mail operations are essential for victory, citing the 2024 Senate win of Dave McCormick as evidence of the strategy's effectiveness.