WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Monday to issue an executive order to end the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, a move likely to disproportionately favor his Republican Party.
Federal elections are administered at the state level, however, and it is unclear if the president has the constitutional power to enact the measure. Legal challenges by some states are likely.
With Democratic voters traditionally more likely to use mail-in ballots than Republicans, Trump’s pledge is his latest effort to reshape the midterm election battlefield to his party’s advantage. He has also urged Republicans in states including Texas and Indiana to redraw congressional districts to increase the likelihood of a Republican candidate being elected.
