>>Shapiro: Trump Can't Ban Mail-In Voting
(Harrisburg, PA) -- The Governor of Pennsylvania says President Trump can't end mail-in voting. Governor Josh Shapiro said Trump can sign whatever executive orders he wants, but the Constitution gives states the power to set their own election rules. The president shared a post on Truth Social which outlined his plan to lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots, and it targets what he called highly inaccurate, very expensive, and seriously controversial voting machines. Shapiro said Pennsylvania will continue to have free and fair elections both by mail and in person.
-Trump Seeks to Ban Mail-In Voting Ahead of Midterms
President Donald Trump announced on Monday (August 18) that he intends to "lead a movement" to eliminate mail-in ballots and certain voting machines before the upcoming midterm elections. He plans to issue an executive order to bar states from using mail ballots, claiming without evidence that voting machines are "highly inaccurate" and more costly than paper ballots.
Trump's announcement has stirred controversy, as legal experts assert that he lacks the authority to dictate state election procedures. According to Michael Morley, a professor at Florida State University College of Law, the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to regulate federal elections. Richard Hasen, a UCLA law professor, also emphasized that any changes to the president's authority would require congressional action, which is unlikely.
Despite Trump's previous encouragement for his supporters to use mail-in ballots, the method has been more popular among Democrats since the 2020 election. Republican-led states have since imposed more restrictions on mail-in voting.
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, highlighted that the Founders intentionally excluded the president from election administration to prevent executive overreach. Any executive order from Trump is expected to face legal challenges, potentially delaying its implementation.
Experts like Matt Germer from the R Street Institute point out the logistical difficulties of altering voting methods so close to the midterms. Such changes would require new laws and infrastructure, including more polling locations and trained volunteers. Barbara Smith Warner from the National Vote at Home Institute argues that attempts to eliminate mail-in voting aim to destabilize elections and undermine public confidence.
As Trump continues to challenge election processes, states and courts are urged to prepare to ensure fair and secure elections in 2026.
Links
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/18/nx-s1-5506210/trump-mail-in-ballots-banhttps://www.reuters.com/legal/government/does-trump-have-power-ban-mail-in-ballots-us-elections-2025-08-19/