By Ricky Dana
Trump Is Playing From Putin’s Playbook
On August 18, 2025, Donald Trump said he wants to end mail‑in voting before the 2026 midterm elections. He called mail‑in ballots “corrupt” and said he would sign an executive order to ban them. He also attacked voting machines, calling them inaccurate and expensive. This isn’t about making elections safer. It’s about copying Vladimir Putin’s talking points and telling Americans not to trust their own votes.
Trump claims Putin told him that you “can’t have an honest election with mail‑in voting.” That alone should set off alarm bells. Russia wants Americans to doubt our democracy. When a U.S. president repeats those lines, it gives our enemies exactly what they want: chaos and distrust. That’s playing straight out of Putin’s playbook.
Facts You Deserve to Know
Mail‑in voting is used around the world. Many countries allow some form of voting by mail, including allies like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. The idea that America is the “only country” doing this is false.
Mail‑in voting has safeguards. States verify ballots through steps like signature checks, ID numbers, witness requirements, and secure tracking. Bipartisan officials process these ballots under strict rules. The system is designed to catch problems and protect every legal vote.
There’s no credible evidence of widespread fraud. After 2020, courts across the country and election experts found no proof of mass fraud from mail‑in ballots. That’s the truth, no matter how many times politicians repeat a rumor.
States run our elections. The U.S. Constitution gives states—not the president—the power to set election procedures. A White House executive order cannot erase state election laws. Any attempt to ban mail‑in voting nationally will face immediate legal challenges.
Why This Matters in Missouri’s 4th District
Rural voters, military families, seniors, and people with disabilities rely on vote‑by‑mail to be heard. In our district, some folks live far from a polling place, work long shifts, or have health limits. Vote‑by‑mail makes sure their voice counts just like anyone else’s. Taking that away doesn’t “fix” elections—it silences people who already face barriers.
My Commitment to You
When I’m elected as your congressman, I will fight attempts to ban mail‑in ballots or shut down secure voting machines without real evidence. I will back state‑level safeguards, stiff penalties for anyone who cheats, and full funding so local election workers have the tools they need. We can protect both access and security at the same time—Missouri common sense says we must.
We should strengthen trust, not tear it down. Leaders should stand up for American institutions, not repeat lines from foreign strongmen. Our right to vote is not a plaything for politics. It is the backbone of this country, and I will defend it.
Sources:
Reuters — Trump says he will sign order targeting mail‑in ballots and voting machines ahead of 2026
Reuters — Trump says Putin agrees U.S. should not have mail‑in voting
The Guardian — Trump says lawyers are drafting executive order to end mail‑in voting
Axios — Trump raises end to mail‑in ballots after claiming Putin questioned their security
Los Angeles Times — On Putin’s advice, Trump launches assault on mail‑in ballots and voting machines
TIME — Trump Says Only the U.S. Votes by Mail. Here Are the Facts
NCSL — How States Verify Voted Absentee/Mail Ballots
NCSL — Election Administration at the State and Local Levels
Library of Congress — Elections Clause (Article I, Section 4)
U.S. Election Assistance Commission — Election Security