President Donald Trump recently announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at eliminating mail-in voting and electronic voting machines before the 2026 midterm elections. He claimed that mail voting is “corrupt” and that the U.S. is the only country that uses it. Both of these assertions are factually inaccurate and overlook the proven benefits of vote by mail.
Constitutional Authority Over Elections
The U.S. Constitution grants states, not the president, the authority to regulate elections. Article I, Section 4, empowers states to determine the “Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives,” while Article II, Section 1, assigns states the responsibility to appoint electors for the presidency. This decentralized system ensures that election policies are tailored to the needs of local communities and prevents unilateral federal interference.
Global Use of Mail Voting
Contrary to Trump’s claim, the United States is not unique in utilizing mail-in voting. At least 34 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia, have established systems that allow citizens to vote by mail. These nations have implemented mail voting as part of broader efforts to expand voter participation and make elections more accessible. For instance, Canada offers special ballots for voters unable to attend polling stations, while the UK provides postal voting options for all registered voters. Germany similarly allows absentee voting by mail, with clear procedures to ensure both accessibility and security. These examples demonstrate that mail voting is a widely accepted and practical method of conducting elections in established democracies.
Evidence from U.S. States
In the United States, several states have adopted universal vote by mail systems with consistently positive outcomes. Oregon and Washington, two of the earliest states to implement all-mail elections, provide strong evidence of the safety, security, and effectiveness of this approach.
• Oregon: Oregon began conducting elections entirely by mail in 2000. Since then, the state has experienced higher voter turnout rates compared to the national average. The Oregon Secretary of State’s office reports that rigorous procedures, including signature verification, tracking systems, and secure ballot drop boxes, ensure that ballots are counted accurately and securely. Notably, Oregon has prosecuted only four cases of fraud since the inception of its vote-by-mail system.
• Washington: Washington state followed suit with a vote-by-mail system in 2005. Studies have shown that the state maintains strong voter confidence, with minimal incidents of fraud or irregularities. Mail-in voting in Washington has also increased accessibility for voters who might otherwise face challenges getting to polling places on election day.
Both states demonstrate that vote by mail can expand participation without compromising election integrity. Multiple independent studies have found that incidents of fraud in mail voting are exceedingly rare. In fact, the Brennan Center for Justice and other nonpartisan organizations consistently report that voter fraud, whether in-person or by mail, is extremely uncommon in the United States.
Why Vote by Mail Matters
Vote by mail is more than a convenient alternative to in-person voting; it is a tool that strengthens democratic participation and inclusion.
• Access for working families: Many voters face scheduling conflicts on election day due to work or caregiving responsibilities. Vote by mail allows individuals to participate in elections without having to take time off work or arrange childcare.
• Inclusion for voters with disabilities: Physical accessibility challenges at polling places can limit the ability of people with disabilities to vote in person. Vote by mail provides a reliable and accessible alternative, ensuring that all citizens can exercise their right to vote.
• Dignity for seniors: Older Americans, particularly those with mobility limitations or health concerns, benefit from the ability to vote securely from home. Mail-in ballots allow seniors to participate fully in the democratic process without unnecessary obstacles.
• Stronger democracy: Expanding voting access strengthens overall democratic health. When more people can participate in elections, the outcomes more accurately reflect the will of the people. Higher participation contributes to greater civic engagement and trust in democratic institutions.
Countering Misinformation
Efforts to undermine vote by mail often rely on misinformation and fear. Claims that mail voting is inherently “corrupt” ignore decades of evidence demonstrating its security and reliability. Election officials across the United States have implemented rigorous verification processes, including signature matching, ballot tracking systems, and secure handling protocols.
It is important to note that vote by mail is not a partisan issue. Both Republican and Democratic voters have used mail-in ballots in states that offer them, and bipartisan studies have consistently confirmed the method’s integrity. Protecting access to mail voting ensures that every eligible voter has an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of political affiliation.
Looking Ahead
As discussions about election policies continue, Americans must rely on facts and evidence rather than fear or political rhetoric. Mail-in voting is a proven, secure, and accessible way for citizens to participate in democracy. States have the authority to determine election procedures, and evidence from both domestic and international experience shows that mail voting strengthens participation and confidence in electoral outcomes.
At One Nation Every Vote (OneV), we believe that vote by mail is an essential component of a fair and inclusive democracy. Every eligible voter deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard, whether they vote in person or by mail. Efforts to restrict access to mail voting threaten the fundamental principles of democratic participation and should be examined critically and thoughtfully.
America is stronger when every voice is heard. Every ballot matters, and every citizen has the right to participate fully in elections. By supporting vote by mail, we safeguard the accessibility, fairness, and integrity of our electoral system.
Take Action
OneV is committed to protecting and expanding access to vote by mail. You can help us continue this work in two ways:
- Subscribe to our mailing list by entering your email on the OneV homepage to stay informed about developments in voting rights and election access.
- Donate to OneV to support our efforts to fight policies that restrict vote by mail and ensure that every eligible voter can participate safely, securely, and conveniently.
Vote by mail is not just a method—it is a safeguard for democracy. Together, we can ensure that one nation truly means every vote counts.
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