Trump's Mail-in Ballot Plan Sparks Backlash from Potential 2028 Democratic Contender and Pennsylvania Republicans

Strategic Insights -

President Donald Trump's plans to eliminate mail-in balloting through an executive order have been met with strong opposition from a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and several Republicans. Shapiro accused Trump of trying to "stoke more division and fear" among voters, while former Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler lambasted the bipartisan mail-in-vote law passed in 2019, claiming it was "diluted" from its original purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has come out against President Trump's plan to eliminate mail-in balloting, stating it would be unconstitutional and undermine free and fair elections.
  • Shapiro refers to Act 77 of 2019, which was passed with bipartisan support, as evidence that mail-in voting has been successful in Pennsylvania, with millions of people using it.
  • Former Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler, a Republican, has criticized Shapiro's reference to the bipartisan law, claiming it has been "diluted" from its original purpose.
  • Cutler accused Democrats and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of removing security safeguards and delaying election timelines, and allowing for drop boxes that compromised the integrity of mail-in ballots.
  • Trump has promised to "lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots" and has said he will sign an executive order to help bring "honesty to the 2026 midterm elections."
  • The White House has stated that they are working on protecting the integrity of the vote, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying that there will be discussions with Congress and state legislatures to ensure the integrity of the vote.

Statistics:

  • Millions of people have voted by mail in Pennsylvania since Act 77 was passed in 2019.
  • Pennsylvania has held free and fair elections, with Trump winning and losing the commonwealth in contests.
  • 67 counties in Pennsylvania will permit mail-in voting, according to Shapiro.

Sources:

  • "Pennsylvania governor spars with Trump over mail-in ballot plan", LNP (online news outlet)
  • "Trump vows to 'lead a movement' to end mail-in ballots", The Hill (online news outlet)