Trump Plans Ban on Mail-In and Early Voting for 2026 Midterms

President Donald Trump has renewed his calls to eliminate mail-in and early voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, baselessly claiming the 2020 election was "rigged and stolen" and framing such voting methods as a threat to election integrity. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump urged the Department of Justice to investigate the 2020 election with "gusto" and warned that without banning early and mail-in votes, the "biggest SCANDAL in American history" could recur. He specifically criticized California's upcoming ballot proposition on congressional redistricting, alleging widespread dishonesty in mailed ballots, and urged Republicans to "get smart" and adopt voter ID laws. Despite Trump's repeated assertions, his claims of voter fraud have been repeatedly disproven, and he lacks the authority to ban these voting methods. Meanwhile, early voting deadlines are approaching in several key states for significant 2025 elections, including gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia and a mayoral race in New York City, with voter enthusiasm remaining high despite controversies. Critics warn that Trump's rhetoric may be aimed at conditioning voters and restricting voting access ahead of future elections.