An Ancient Procedure in Danger

By promising to do away with mail-in voting, a practice that has been a mainstay of American elections since the Civil War, Donald Trump has ignited new controversy. The proposal was promptly deemed “blatantly unconstitutional” by critics, who pointed out that states, not the president, make election laws.

On August 18, Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social account. Trump announced his intention to “lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots” and switch from electronic to paper voting machines, while simultaneously positioning himself as a possible peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump claims that voting machines are “very expensive” and “highly inaccurate.” He proposed watermarked paper ballots as a way to boost election confidence. His assertions are reminiscent of earlier disagreements regarding the 2020 election, in which he frequently questioned the validity of the outcome.

In contrast, mail-in voting has a lengthy history in the United States. During the Civil War, soldiers were able to cast ballots thanks to the introduction of absentee ballots in 1864. The procedure grew over time and became a reliable choice for people who are unable to cast their ballots in person.

When millions of Americans voted by mail in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the system was crucial. Studies and court decisions supported the process’s security, transparency, and dependability despite Trump’s defeat that year.

Mail-in voting, according to election experts, improves accessibility, particularly for elderly, disabled, and foreign-born voters. They caution that millions would lose their right to vote if it were removed.

The constitutional restraints on the president’s authority are another point of contention. States have the final say over voting procedures, and no president has the power to outlaw mail-in ballots on his own.

Opponents portray this effort as an attack on democratic norms, while Trump frames it as an election integrity measure. The long-standing controversy surrounding mail-in voting is once again at the center of American politics.