President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his intention to eliminate mail-in voting, stating on social media in August that he would “lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS.” This stance contrasts sharply with the actions of Pennsylvania Republicans, who are actively encouraging voters to utilize mail-in ballots as they aim to unseat three state Supreme Court justices in the upcoming November elections.
The Republican State Leadership Committee has launched a video campaign highlighting the success of mail voting in the past, claiming, “In 2024, we voted by mail and flipped Pennsylvania red.” Voters are directed to a website to request their mail ballots for the judicial election, reflecting a growing acceptance of mail voting among Republican ranks. Veteran GOP consultant Christopher Nicholas noted that the conflicting messages from party leaders have slowed the adaptation of mail voting among the Republican base. Yet, recent trends indicate a shift, as about 12,000 more Republican voters have requested mail ballots compared to the last municipal election in 2023, with over three weeks remaining for requests.
Shifting Perspectives on Mail Voting
The Republican Party’s relationship with mail voting has evolved significantly since the highly contentious 2020 election. Initially, many Republicans questioned the integrity of mail ballots, with some lawmakers attempting to repeal the 2019 legislation that simplified mail voting in Pennsylvania. Between 2021 and 2023, Republican requests for mail ballots accounted for only about 22% of the total.
However, following Doug Mastriano‘s defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial race by 15 percentage points, the narrative began to change. Mastriano, a Trump ally, urged party members to embrace “no-excuse mail voting,” citing their reluctance as a factor in his loss. Subsequently, Donald Trump Jr. appeared in an advertisement for the state GOP last April, advocating for mail voting as a practical option for voters unable to cast ballots on Election Day. “Pennsylvania, I need you to join the mail-in voting list today,” he urged.
Despite Trump’s continued opposition to mail voting, which he reiterated on August 18 by asserting that elections cannot be honest with mail ballots, Republican leaders like Jim Billman, chair of the Berks County GOP, acknowledge the necessity of utilizing available voting methods to remain competitive. Billman stated, “Even though we want to see this end someday, right now, it is the law of the land,” advising voters who cannot vote in person to opt for mail-in ballots.
Targeting Infrequent Voters
Political parties often categorize voters based on their participation frequency, with “4y” voters being those who consistently cast ballots. However, the Republican Party is increasingly focusing on infrequent voters, whom they believe can be mobilized through mail voting. Billman described these voters as “iffy votes,” emphasizing that receiving a mail-in ballot removes excuses for not voting.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party encourages voters to use any “legal means necessary” to participate in elections. James Markley, communications director for the Pennsylvania GOP, acknowledged the potential flaws in mail voting but emphasized its importance for ensuring that all voices are heard. The party’s website prominently features mail voting as a primary option, underscoring the shift in strategy.
Conservative activist Scott Presler has also promoted mail voting on social media, describing it as an “emergency backup ballot” for those unable to make it to polling places. Nicholas further noted the priority for party officials is simply to ensure voter turnout, stating, “Winning a campaign is preeminent.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the divergent approaches to mail voting within the Republican Party reflect broader trends in voter engagement and strategy, particularly ahead of the pivotal 2024 elections.
