Pennsylvania Republicans Embrace Mail Voting Despite Trump’s Opposition

In a notable divergence from the stance of former President Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Republicans are actively encouraging voters to utilize mail-in ballots for the upcoming judicial elections this November. Trump has publicly vowed to “lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS,” yet local GOP leaders are acknowledging the practicality of mail voting as they aim to unseat three state Supreme Court justices.

The push for mail-in voting comes as Republican leaders in Pennsylvania seek to mobilize voters amid a challenging electoral landscape. A campaign ad from the Republican State Leadership Committee highlights the success of mail voting in the past, stating, “In 2024, we voted by mail and flipped Pennsylvania red.” This encouragement is particularly crucial as the party works to increase voter turnout in a state where the judicial election is historically difficult.

Voter response to mail ballots has shifted significantly since the 2020 elections. Veteran GOP consultant Christopher Nicholas noted that Trump’s vocal opposition to mail voting initially created hurdles in integrating this voting method within the party’s base. However, recent data indicates a positive trend: approximately 12,000 more Republican voters have requested mail ballots for this November’s election compared to the last municipal election in 2023, with three weeks remaining to request a ballot.

The evolution of Republican rhetoric surrounding mail voting has been stark. In the aftermath of the 2020 election, many Republicans expressed skepticism about the integrity of mail voting. Some even attempted to repeal a 2019 law that facilitated mail-in voting in Pennsylvania. During the six elections from 2021 through 2023, Republicans accounted for only about 22% of all mail ballot requests. Yet, following a significant loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race, state Senator Doug Mastriano, an ally of Trump, argued for the necessity of embracing mail voting, attributing his defeat partly to the party’s reluctance to adapt.

The shift was further emphasized in early 2024, when Donald Trump Jr. appeared in a state GOP ad promoting mail voting. He urged voters, especially those facing work or family obligations, to register for mail ballots, stating, “Pennsylvania, I need you to join the mail-in voting list today.” This shift has yielded results; the 2024 presidential election saw Republicans making up 32% of mail ballot requests, marking a significant increase.

Despite the party’s evolving stance, Trump continues to express his concerns regarding mail voting. In a social media post on August 18, 2023, he stated, “ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS.” His statements are echoed by some local party leaders, such as Jim Billman, chair of the Berks County GOP, who remains skeptical of mail voting’s security but recognizes its necessity in current electoral dynamics. Billman advises, “If you can’t get out to cast your ballot in person, cast a mail-in ballot.”

In focusing on maximizing turnout, both state and local Republican officials are targeting infrequent voters, those who do not consistently participate in elections. Billman describes these individuals as “iffy votes” who may be swayed to use mail ballots. The state GOP emphasizes that while mail voting has its flaws, it is vital to use “any legal means necessary” for casting votes. Communications director James Markley reinforced this message by stating that voters unable to reach polling places on Election Day should prioritize mail voting.

As the November elections approach, the Pennsylvania Republican Party is pushing hard for mail-in ballots while navigating the complexities of Trump’s ongoing rhetoric. Activists, such as conservative figure Scott Presler, are also amplifying the message on social media, framing mail voting as an essential option for those unable to vote in person.

The evolving perspectives on mail voting illustrate a broader strategic shift within the Republican Party in Pennsylvania. While the challenges of voter turnout remain significant, the party’s embrace of mail-in ballots may play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of upcoming elections.