Can trump get rid of mail in ballots

A timely and important question!

In the United States, the process of voting, including mail-in ballots, is governed by federal and state laws. While President Trump has expressed concerns about the security and integrity of mail-in ballots, he does not have the authority to unilaterally eliminate them.

Here's why:

  1. Federal laws: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 protect the right to vote and ensure that voting systems are accessible and secure. These laws do not give the President the authority to abolish mail-in ballots.
  2. State laws: Mail-in ballots are authorized by state laws, which vary from state to state. Each state has its own election laws, and any changes to these laws would require action by state legislatures or governors.
  3. Constitutional protections: The Constitution guarantees the right to vote and the right to have that vote counted. The 15th Amendment (1870) states that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." The 24th Amendment (1964) prohibits the use of poll taxes or other taxes as a condition of voting.
  4. Election administration: The administration of elections, including mail-in ballots, is the responsibility of state and local election officials. These officials are accountable to their respective state legislatures and governors, not to the President.

That being said, President Trump has used his executive powers to try to limit the use of mail-in ballots in certain states. For example, in 2020, he issued an executive order aimed at restricting the use of mail-in ballots in the November presidential election. However, this order was met with legal challenges and was ultimately blocked by courts.

In summary, while President Trump may have expressed concerns about mail-in ballots, he does not have the authority to eliminate them. The process of voting, including mail-in ballots, is governed by federal and state laws, and any changes to these laws would require action by state legislatures or governors.