The Heated Debate Surrounding Mail-in Voting

Mailing in ballots is a multi-step process. Illustration by Nicole Muzaka '29

The first mail-in ballots have already been sent out and midterm elections are less than 50 days away, but that hasn’t stopped the Trump Administration from attempting to place restrictions on the voting practice. 

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration to put together a nationwide list of eligible voters. The United States Postal Service, which would have an unprecedented role in the election, would be barred from delivering these ballots to anyone who does not appear on this list. 

Executive Order 14399 states, “The Federal Government has an unavoidable duty under Article II of the Constitution of the United States to enforce Federal law, which includes preventing violations of Federal criminal law and maintaining public confidence in election outcomes to enhance election integrity via the United States Mail, additional measures are necessary.”

Beyond the list, the order would change the design of federal ballot envelopes, requiring that they, “bear the official Election Mail logo, bear a unique IMb and ballot mail STID, are compatible with automated mail processing and have undergone USPS design review.” 

Envelopes that did not meet these requirements would not be delivered to voters. Additionally, federal funding would be withheld from states that refuse to comply. 

But, with the 2026 Midterm Elections just weeks away, one important question still needs to be answered: is this order legal? Recent clashes between the Trump Administration and the courts seem to indicate a disagreement on this topic.

Most notably, a group of 24 states and the District of Columbia recently filed a lawsuit to stop the Postal Service from implementing the terms of the executive order, arguing that this order violates the constitutional right of the states to run their own elections. 

Mail-in voting is a practice that positively impacts many groups in our country. A study from States United shows that various demographics have benefitted from the ability to vote by mail, especially the elderly, disabled, out-of-state college students and service members abroad. 

“A lot of my friends and my roommate took part in the mail-in voting process, especially for the presidential election in 2024,” said Amanda Gorrin ‘28. 

Rules on mail-in voting vary by state. While some states allow no-excuse absentee voting, many others require a reason to vote by mail. New York residents do not need an excuse to request a ballot.

It is undeniable that many people choose to vote by mail. In the 2024 General Election, roughly one in three Americans voted by mail and 32% of people voted by mail in the previous midterms. 

However, concerns with the security of mail-in ballots are not uncommon. 

“I believe that it is unreliable in a way that we do not know when it got received and if it will definitely be counted,” said Anna Sidlowski ‘27. “Maybe if they gave more of a guarantee that the votes were counted, then I would feel better.”

According to the Center for Election Innovation & Research, there are a variety of safety precautions in place to make sure mail-in ballots are both secure and properly counted. The envelopes contain special seals, and many places allow voters to track their ballots to ensure they are received. Ballots are also kept in safe locations and verified upon arrival. 

Additionally, mail-in ballots offer many conveniences. Voters are much more likely to participate if they do not need to call off of work, coordinate childcare or travel a long distance to their polling place. 

Absentee ballots also allow voters to spend more time studying information and making their decisions, leading to an increase in overall voter satisfaction as voters have more confidence in their choices.

Though the Trump Administration is pushing these restrictions in the name of voter fraud, studies argue that this is not a major concern for mail-in voting. While some cases of fraud have been reported, confirmed cases are few and far between. 

Still, mail-in voting faces various challenges that should be recognized. 

One potential issue is the increased likelihood of errors on the ballot. At-home voters are not alerted if they incorrectly fill out their ballot, unlike voters at polling locations.

Mail-in voting is also not equally accessible among all populations. Native Americans especially face challenges receiving their ballots due to a lack of street addresses and limited post office locations in their communities. 

Delayed results are also a source of frustration for many. Depending on the state, ballots can be received up to 14 days after the official election day. This upsets many voters, especially in close elections. 

Despite these concerns, millions still vote by mail, including the president. Hasty changes to the process have the potential to invalidate ballots and seriously hinder the midterms, as noted by a whistleblower.  

As of today, the Supreme Court will not allow the Postal Service to implement the executive order. This decision follows multiple blocks by lower-court judges and an earlier Supreme Court opinion stating the challenge was premature due to a lack of action taken. 

As election season approaches, it is crucial to remember that voting is vital in a democracy. Your voice matters, whether you choose to cast your ballot at the polls or from home.