Mail-in voting: What’s really happening?
Summary
34 states and the District of Columbia will allow mail-in voting for the election on 3 November 2020.
- For months, Donald Trump has been outspoken against mail-in voting, saying that it will increase election fraud and lead to corruption by domestic and foreign actors.
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more Americans than ever are expected to vote absentee via mail-in ballots.
- On 13 August, Donald Trump said that he was “blocking Democrats’ effort to include funds for the U.S. Postal Service and election infrastructure in a new coronavirus relief bill” in an effort to reduce mail-in voting.
- Simultaneously, the US postal service has experienced major delays, sparking concern on both sides of the aisle about the viability of a mail-in voting system.
- In reality, mail-in voting is extremely secure; extensive measures are in place to prevent voter fraud.
- Seeks to prove time and time again that neither voter fraud nor foreign influence is of heightened concern for mail-in ballots, and argues that Trump is only focusing on the issue to suppress votes.
- Argues that even republicans want mail-in voting to work, despite Trump’s claims, providing examples of bipartisan support.
- Provides information-based reporting about participation and encourage voters to get involved from home.
- Focuses on the logistical nightmare and shortcomings of mail-in voting.
- Highlights examples of mail-in voting fraud in the past.
- Uses inflammatory language to highlight the risks of mail-in voting and question the credibility of those who support it.
- Raises concerns about corruption.
Do you have questions about how to vote? Visit https://www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/ for state-specific information on who can vote, how to register, and what to do to exercise your right.
Return to Freespoke 
© Evelyn Torsher, 2020
