Can trump stop the mail in ballots
A timely and important question!
In the United States, the process of voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, is governed by federal and state laws. The Constitution grants states the authority to regulate the manner in which elections are conducted, including the use of mail-in ballots.
President Trump, as the head of the executive branch, does not have the authority to unilaterally stop the use of mail-in ballots. However, he has expressed concerns about the security and integrity of mail-in voting, and his administration has taken steps to limit its use in certain states.
Here are some ways in which the Trump administration has attempted to restrict mail-in voting:
- USPS funding: In August 2020, the Trump administration announced that it would be suspending funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS) until after the election, citing concerns about the agency's financial stability. This move was widely seen as an attempt to undermine the USPS's ability to handle the increased volume of mail-in ballots expected in the 2020 election.
- Postmaster General appointment: In May 2020, Trump appointed Louis DeJoy, a Republican donor and businessman, as the new Postmaster General of the USPS. DeJoy has been criticized for his efforts to slow down mail delivery and reduce overtime, which some argue could impact the timely delivery of mail-in ballots.
- Guidance on mail-in voting: In July 2020, the Trump administration issued guidance to states on how to conduct mail-in voting, which some critics argued was overly restrictive and could lead to confusion and disenfranchisement.
Despite these efforts, many states have continued to expand their mail-in voting programs, and courts have generally upheld the legality of these programs.
In August 2020, a federal judge in California blocked the Trump administration's efforts to restrict mail-in voting in several states, including California, Nevada, and New York. The judge ruled that the administration's actions were "arbitrary and capricious" and violated the Voting Rights Act.
In September 2020, the USPS announced that it would be taking steps to ensure the timely delivery of mail-in ballots, including hiring additional staff and increasing overtime.
In summary, while the Trump administration has attempted to restrict mail-in voting, these efforts have been met with legal challenges and resistance from states and courts. Ultimately, the use of mail-in ballots is governed by state laws and regulations, and it is up to individual states to determine how to conduct their elections.