President Trump Seeks to Eliminate Mail-In Voting and Machines Ahead of 2026 Elections

On August 18, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order aimed at eliminating mail-in ballots and voting machines before the 2026 midterm elections. In a social media post, he described mail-in voting as "fraudulent" and criticized voting machines as "inaccurate, expensive, and controversial." Trump asserted that this move is necessary to reform the voting system nationwide, reflecting his ongoing criticism of election integrity and the use of voting technology.

During an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump reiterated his stance, stating that states must follow the federal lead in election tabulation. He claimed that states are merely agents of the federal government in counting votes and must adhere to presidential directives.

Legal experts have noted that the U.S. Constitution delegates election oversight to the states and Congress, not the president, suggesting that such an executive order would likely face significant legal challenges. The Elections Clause of the Constitution grants states the primary authority over election administration, with Congress holding a secondary role to alter or create election laws in specific circumstances.

This announcement is part of President Trump's ongoing criticism of mail-in voting and voting machines. In March 2025, he signed an executive order aimed at overhauling election procedures, which faced legal challenges due to constitutional concerns. Additionally, in 2013, the Supreme Court case Shelby County v. Holder addressed issues related to federal oversight of state election laws, emphasizing the balance of power between federal and state authorities in election administration.

Contrary to President Trump's assertion that the U.S. is the only country using mail-in voting, at least 34 countries—including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany—allow some form of postal voting.

Potential Social and Political Implications

• Legal Challenges: The proposed executive order is expected to face significant legal challenges, given the constitutional delegation of election oversight to states and Congress.

• Impact on Voter Access: Eliminating mail-in voting could disproportionately affect voters who rely on this method due to disability, age, or geographic constraints.

• Political Polarization: The move may intensify partisan debates over election integrity and voter suppression, potentially influencing voter turnout and public trust in the electoral process.

President Trump's announcement to eliminate mail-in voting and voting machines before the 2026 midterm elections has sparked a complex debate involving constitutional authority, voter accessibility, and election integrity. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor legal proceedings, state responses, and the broader implications for the American electoral system.