Trump Urges GOP Base to Vote by Mail and Early, Contradicting Years of Opposition

Key points

• Trump told Republicans to use 'every appropriate tool' to vote, including early and mail-in voting, in a pre-recorded video.
• The Supreme Court recently rejected sweeping restrictions on mail ballots that stemmed from a March executive order.
• Over one million ballots have been cast with one month left before the midterms.
• Democrats are requesting a larger share of early ballots in key states compared to 2024.
• Trump's campaign strategy relies on turning out his base, not persuading undecided voters.

Background

This shift follows a series of legal battles over Trump's March executive order to nationalize and restrict mail voting. In August, Republican attorneys general split on defending the order, with 12 opposing it. In September, the Supreme Court blocked the overhaul, preserving current mail voting rules. Trump had previously criticized mail-in voting as a 'disaster' and pushed for the 'SAVE America Act' in Congress, which faced bipartisan opposition.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and citinewsroom.com emphasize the contradiction between Trump's current appeal and his years of opposition to mail-in voting, noting his efforts to restrict it have been blocked by courts. Mezha highlights the Supreme Court's rejection of the mail-voting restrictions and Trump's subsequent criticism of the system as a 'disaster.' All sources agree that Trump's midterm strategy focuses on turnout among his base, with a GOP official calling it 'a turnout game.'

Why it matters

Trump's reversal on mail-in voting could influence Republican turnout in the 2026 midterms, especially in key Senate and gubernatorial races. The Supreme Court's blocking of his restrictions ensures mail voting proceeds as usual, but the ongoing legal and political fight may confuse voters. Trump's direct appeal to his base could impact the overall turnout dynamics, as Democrats have historically been more likely to vote early.

What to watch

Voters are encouraged to track their ballots and vote early, with deadlines varying by state. The 'SAVE America Act' remains in Congress, facing bipartisan opposition. Legal challenges to election rules may continue, and the White House has not commented on whether Trump's position has shifted.