Experts Urge States to Lead Election Integrity Reforms Amid Partisan Disputes

President Donald Trump announced plans to sign executive orders aimed at restricting mail-in voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that such measures are necessary to secure U.S. elections and restore honesty and integrity. Trump criticized mail-in ballots and voting machines as sources of election fraud, asserting that Democrats rely on these methods due to their policies making them unelectable otherwise. This push aligns with ongoing efforts at both the federal and state levels to strengthen election integrity, including redistricting battles and voter roll cleanups. Republicans like Rep. Rachelle Smit have raised concerns about ranked choice voting, advocating for election integrity based on the principle of "one person, one vote." Meanwhile, the broader political context includes Democratic concerns over inflation impacting voter sentiment, as highlighted by Rep. Jake Auchincloss. The focus on election security and integrity reflects deep partisan divides and preparations for the upcoming elections.