By Jack Queen
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump wants to ban mail-in ballots in federal elections, a form of voting popular with many Americans. About three in 10 ballots were cast through the mail in the 2024 general election, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Trump, a Republican, does not have clear legal authority to do this, though his allies in Congress and state governments could enact policies barring the practice.
Here is a look at Trump’s authority and how the law could be changed.
CAN TRUMP UNILATERALLY BAN MAIL-IN BALLOTS?
Only states and the U.S. Congress can pass laws regulating elections. A unilateral ban by the president on mail-in ballots would likely exceed Trump’s limited authority to enforce existing law.
In a Monday social media post, Trum