Overview

• On Monday, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he plans to sign an executive order eliminating mail-in ballots and “seriously controversial” voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
• The announcement reprises his March 25 order that federal courts blocked after Democrat-led states sued, with a judge ruling he lacked authority to impose state election rules.
• Trump claimed the U.S. is “the only country in the world” using mail voting and alleged “massive voter fraud,” assertions contradicted by a U.S. Election Assistance Commission report showing 30% of 2024 ballots were cast by mail and no evidence of widespread fraud.
• Legal scholars and state officials warn any new order would face swift constitutional and statutory challenges, emphasizing the Constitution vests election administration authority with the states.
• Civil-rights groups and Democratic leaders call the proposal a power grab that could disenfranchise seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas citizens, and vow aggressive legal opposition.