Trump Announces Plan to Scrap Mail-in Voting and Replace Voting Machines with Paper Ballots Ahead of 2026 Midterms

18 August 2025

President Donald Trump; mail-in election ballots. Credit : Chip Somodevilla/Getty; JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty

In a sweeping statement delivered via his social media platform, Truth Social, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to sign an executive order aimed at banning mail‑in ballots and replacing electronic voting machines with watermarked paper ballots at the 2026 midterm elections. He framed the move as a crusade to “bring honesty and integrity” to U.S. elections, asserting that mail‑in voting and voting machines are “inaccurate,” “expensive,” and “controversial”

Trump also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed his concerns, allegedly telling him that “mail‑in voting” makes fair elections impossible a point Trump cited as part of his justification. Experts including those at the Brookings Institution, however, warned that Putin’s remarks may be intended to erode confidence in U.S. democratic systems.

Yet, legal scholars note that under the U.S. Constitution, control over election laws lies with state legislatures, not the President, and courts have repeatedly blocked similar efforts in the past, including a March order from Trump that sought to limit mail‑in ballots.

Trump insisted states are merely federal agents in counting votes and must comply with presidential directives, a claim critics argue misrepresents legal structures and threatens election autonomy. His previous March 2025 executive order which demanded proof of citizenship for voter registration and barred ballots arriving after Election Day was similarly ruled unconstitutional.

Political analysts predict this latest move will spark immediate legal challenges, especially from Democratic officials who view it as a disenfranchisement attempt ahead of a high-stakes midterm election. The proposed ban could disproportionately affect Democratic voters, who are more likely to use mail ballots and electronic voting systems.

The announcement comes amidst significant political theater: it followed Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin and preceded President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington alongside European leaders to showcase unity and push for peace in Ukraine.

Ultimately, the effort reflects a broader strategy to reshape American democracy and election security narratives. It raises critical questions about federal overreach, voter access, and the future of electoral integrity in deeply divided political times.