PA Republicans Embrace Mail Voting, Despite Trump’s Rhetoric

In a surprising shift, many Pennsylvania Republicans are now actively encouraging voters to use mail-in ballots, a strategy that seems to run counter to former President Donald Trump’s vocal opposition to the method. This change in rhetoric comes as the party aims to maximize voter turnout, particularly in crucial judicial elections and the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

A Strategic Pivot on Mail-In Voting

While Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that mail-in ballots undermine election integrity, state-level Republicans in Pennsylvania are sending a different message. Ads from groups like the Republican State Leadership Committee are urging voters to request mail ballots, even highlighting past successes where mail voting helped “flip Pennsylvania red.” This pragmatic approach acknowledges that mail-in voting is currently the law of the land and a vital tool for reaching voters.

Veteran GOP consultant Christopher Nicholas notes that Trump’s conflicting statements have made it a slower process for the Republican base to adopt mail voting. However, the numbers show a trend: for the current November election, approximately 12,000 more Republican voters have requested mail ballots compared to the 2023 municipal election, with weeks still left to request them. As more voters use this option, it becomes less intimidating.

Shifting Rhetoric and Voter Behavior

The party’s stance on mail ballots began to evolve after significant losses in 2022. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Trump ally, attributed his gubernatorial loss partly to the party’s reluctance to embrace no-excuse mail-in voting. Even Donald Trump Jr. appeared in ads encouraging Republicans to vote by mail, framing it as essential for those facing work or family constraints on Election Day. These efforts appear to be paying off, with Republicans making up a larger percentage of mail ballot requests in the 2024 presidential election than ever before.

Despite this strategic embrace, Trump continues to voice his skepticism. However, local party officials like Jim Billman of the Berks County GOP acknowledge the need to use the system while advocating for its eventual elimination. His advice to voters is clear: “If you can’t get out to cast your ballot in person, cast a mail-in ballot.”

Targeting ‘Iffy Votes’

The focus for parties is often on engaging infrequent voters – those who might only vote in major elections or rarely cast a ballot. Mail-in ballots are seen as a key tool to reach these “iffy votes,” as Billman puts it, because “You really have no excuse if your mail-in ballot comes to your house.” The Pennsylvania GOP encourages voters to use any “legal means necessary” to cast their vote, listing mail-in options prominently on their website.

Winning a campaign is preeminent. — Christopher Nicholas, Republican Consultant

Conservative activist Scott Presler is also actively promoting mail voting on social media as an “emergency backup ballot.” Ultimately, for party officials, the method of return is less critical than ensuring the vote is cast. The priority is clear: maximize turnout by any means necessary to secure victory.