Trump Continues Push To Shut Down Voting Methods 69% of Americans Use
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Former President Donald Trump continues to push for single-day, in-person voting in elections — prohibiting mail-in ballots and early voting that 69% of American voters used in 2020.
Despite the risk of slashing voter rolls by making casting a ballot far more difficult, Trump called last week at a Nashville convention for “same-day voting.”
“Ultimately, we want same-day voting — one day — and only paper ballots,” Trump said to cheers.
Trump has justified the GOP push for more difficult and restrictive voting by claiming it will protect against the kind of rigged election he insists occurred in 2020 — which has proven to be a lie. Ironically, Trump, who has baselessly claimed mail ballots are “corrupt,” votes by mail.
“Ultimately, we want same day voting. One day!” pic.twitter.com/KiTUrxNArC
— Ron Filipkowski 🇺🇦 (@RonFilipkowski) June 19, 2022
Critics say Trump’s goal is to significantly decrease the number of votes, which is generally considered beneficial to Republicans. One user on Twitter quipped that Trump is running on a platform urging: “Don’t count all the votes.”
Trump said on Fox News in 2020 that “you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again” if “voting levels” were expanded. (Research has shown, however, that mail-in ballots don’t appear to give either party a distinct advantage.)
Witnesses who testified at last week’s hearings before the House select committee investigating the insurrection, said that Trump wanted to shut down voting and not count anymore ballots while he was still ahead on election night. He tweeted the following morning: “Stop the count!”
But that’s not the way elections work.
Former Fox News political editor Chris Stirewalt testified about the “red mirage” when Republicans tend to be ahead in the evening of an election day before late and mail-in votes are counted, and catch up to, and often surpass, the early leaders.
Trump, however, declared that night before all the votes were tallied: “Frankly, we did win this election.”
Stepien in his deposition said Trump disagreed with his election night advice that he not declare victory. Trump then gave a speech where he said "this is a fraud on the American public ... frankly we did win this election" pic.twitter.com/s7eplwoOO1
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2022
The U.S. Census Department reported that in the 2020 election 69% of American voters nationwide cast their ballot “nontraditionally” — by mail and/or before Election Day.
Early and mail-in voting have tremendously increased the convenience of casting a ballot, allowing and encouraging more people to vote. For example, homebound and bed-ridden citizens can now easily vote by mail.
Early voting and mail-in ballots also aid people who work long hours or multiple jobs, or are juggling child care and are not able to get to polling spots before they close. Many employers don’t allow extra time to vote. Voters also no longer have to drive long distances to rural polling places on one particular day.
Trump’s plan completely overlooks Americans abroad, including employees working overseas, service members and staff of diplomatic postings, who mail in their ballots.
Critics on Twitter weren’t keen on Trump’s plot to make voting onerous.
Nope.
— Anne (@Anneinthemiddle) June 19, 2022
Ummmm lol
— Paca Whisperer aka Jayme (@SageHillfarms) June 19, 2022
..."But only for the rich who can afford to take the day off to go vote, because we sure as hell aren't going to make Election Day a holiday."
— Schrödinger's Litter Box (@Brewjew308) June 19, 2022
In my experience as a pollworker? In person Election Day voting is overwhelmingly old white folks.
— Not Actually a Cat (@PKLong62) June 19, 2022
So Trump doesn't want most of the military to vote? Interesting.
— StrongerTogether (@Poormanumbrella) June 19, 2022
Them or any other U.S. citizen living abroad, or those who cannot make the polls on one day.
This is just such a messed up thought.— Sterling Rose 🇺🇸 (@SterlingRose62) June 19, 2022
Love to see that guy in line all day to cast his vote
— Billy Hunter (@sherlockIamnot) June 19, 2022
With no water 😂
— 🌊 🌊Michigan Mom 🌊🌊 (@WifeInTheBurbs) June 19, 2022
The Republican Party leader is running on “don’t count all the votes”.
— 🧑🏻👩🏻🧑🏻📷 📺 And Now This... (@hcesd) June 19, 2022
Studied show that when fewer people vote, the Republicans have a better chance of winning. That’s what this is about.
— Beverly Anderson☮️ (@Beverly56399561) June 19, 2022
"Also we want to count my votes first so we know when to stop counting. You have to know when to stop counting, let me tell you"
— J.Dave (@JDaveCA) June 19, 2022
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
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