President Donald Trump recently posted on social media that there should be "no mail-in voting" and that Americans should use only paper ballots, seemingly contradicting the efforts of Republican officials across the US who have encouraged their party members to embrace absentee voting.
However, in recent years, many Republicans have come to recognize the importance of mail-in voting. Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano acknowledged as much, stating that Republicans "have to embrace no-excuse mail-in voting." The state Republican Party has also been encouraging voters to request absentee ballots for this fall's elections, including a recent post on their X account saying "If there is even a 1% chance that you might miss the 2025 Election, sign up for a mail-in ballot today! It’s quick and easy!"
Other states with off-year races are also pushing vote-by-mail. In New Jersey, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has touted increased voter turnout among Republicans using absentee ballots. The California Republican Party is also encouraging voters to mail in their ballots, referencing the state's Proposition 50 ballot measure.
Despite Trump's warnings against mail-in voting, some experts caution that his rhetoric could hinder efforts by party members to promote the practice. Philadelphia-based public affairs executive Larry Ceisler noted that Trump's base of supporters only comes out when he is on the ballot, and that his warnings about not using mail-in ballots may limit the effectiveness of Republican efforts.
Efforts to boost mail voting by Republicans must start soon, according to business owner and Republican fundraiser Jim Worthington. He warned that a late rollout of vote-by-mail programs could be too little, too late to make a significant impact on voter turnout.
However, in recent years, many Republicans have come to recognize the importance of mail-in voting. Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano acknowledged as much, stating that Republicans "have to embrace no-excuse mail-in voting." The state Republican Party has also been encouraging voters to request absentee ballots for this fall's elections, including a recent post on their X account saying "If there is even a 1% chance that you might miss the 2025 Election, sign up for a mail-in ballot today! It’s quick and easy!"
Other states with off-year races are also pushing vote-by-mail. In New Jersey, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has touted increased voter turnout among Republicans using absentee ballots. The California Republican Party is also encouraging voters to mail in their ballots, referencing the state's Proposition 50 ballot measure.
Despite Trump's warnings against mail-in voting, some experts caution that his rhetoric could hinder efforts by party members to promote the practice. Philadelphia-based public affairs executive Larry Ceisler noted that Trump's base of supporters only comes out when he is on the ballot, and that his warnings about not using mail-in ballots may limit the effectiveness of Republican efforts.
Efforts to boost mail voting by Republicans must start soon, according to business owner and Republican fundraiser Jim Worthington. He warned that a late rollout of vote-by-mail programs could be too little, too late to make a significant impact on voter turnout.