In a surprising turn of events, Republican officials, including former President Donald Trump, are now encouraging voters to cast their ballots by mail, a method they previously criticized and doubted. This shift comes as the GOP recognizes the importance of mail-in voting in the upcoming election, which is expected to be decided by narrow margins in key swing states.
The change in stance is a stark departure from the party’s previous rhetoric, which blamed mail-in ballots for Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. Now, Republican leaders are actively promoting mail voting as a way to increase turnout and secure crucial votes.
Despite Trump’s continued criticism of mail-in voting, even he has started recommending it to his supporters. The Republican National Committee, led by Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, is also embracing various legal election methods, including “ballot harvesting,” to boost turnout.
In response to the shift, Turning Point Action, a pro-Trump group, is launching a $100 million campaign to reach infrequent voters in key swing states. The group plans to promote mail voting as a convenient and reliable way for voters to cast their ballots.
While some Republicans remain skeptical of mail-in voting, others, like Bill Bretz, chairman of the Westmoreland County Republican Party, have noticed a growing acceptance of the method among conservative voters. As the GOP continues to navigate conflicting messages and legal challenges surrounding mail voting, the party is working to ensure that no ballots are left behind in the upcoming election.