GOP Candidates Navigate the Mail Voting Divide Amid Trump's Opposition

Wed Sep 17 2025 12:00:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As former President Trump calls for an end to mail voting, GOP candidates in Arizona and Nevada grapple with balancing party loyalty and voter convenience ahead of the midterm elections.

In the lead-up to the 2024 midterm elections, Republican candidates in Arizona and Nevada find themselves at a crossroads regarding mail voting. While Trump aims to eliminate the practice, several GOP candidates express caution, balancing allegiance to Trump's narrative and the realities of voter preference for mail voting. This article explores the differing strategies among GOP candidates and the potential implications for their electoral prospects.

In recent developments, former President Donald Trump has vocalized his opposition to mail voting, a stance not universally shared among Republican candidates in key battleground states. Despite Trump’s call to eliminate mail-in voting, some candidates are treading cautiously in response to voter sentiment.

In Arizona, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, one of Trump’s endorsed candidates in the gubernatorial race, chooses not to support the complete ban on mail voting, reflecting a broader community sentiment favoring voting convenience. His primary opponent, Karrin Taylor Robson, also backed by Trump, has not explicitly clarified her position on the issue, illustrating the challenge facing many GOP candidates.

As the 2024 midterm elections approach, candidates are concerned about balancing Trump's influence with voter needs. Notably, a significant proportion of Arizonans have historically relied on mail voting, complicating the narrative around election integrity that Trump advocates.

Republican Benefits from Mail Voting

Strategists highlight that mail voting has benefited Republicans in past elections, including Arizona's 2024 election where Trump secured a win. GOP strategist Barrett Marson noted that Trump’s own campaign successfully utilized mail-in ballots. Recognizing this success, Marson suggests it may be in Trump’s interest to acknowledge the value of mail voting for Republican campaigns.

Election Integrity Concerns

Despite mail voting remaining widely accepted, Trump has consistently questioned its integrity. He has cited instances where he believes fraud could occur, although substantial evidence to support these claims remains absent. In Arizona, approximately 85% of voters cast their ballots by mail, further emphasizing the necessity for candidates to navigate this issue thoughtfully.

Arizona GOP Candidates and Diverging Views

Biggs and Robson maintain their longstanding participation in mail voting, yet Biggs openly encourages in-person voting. However, his team clarified that this does not entail a rejection of mail voting entirely. Meanwhile, Robson has aligned her campaign closely with Trump’s rhetoric, raising questions about her stance on critical voting issues.

Nevada's Similar Dilemma

In neighboring Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo is adopting a similar strategy regarding mail voting. Although Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election have placed pressure on statewide candidates, Lombardo has skillfully navigated his endorsement of Trump while pursuing an independent profile as a moderate.

Implications for Future Elections

The distinction between supporting Trump and addressing the practical needs of voters poses significant challenges for Republican candidates. Both Biggs and Robson’s unclear positions on mail voting may impact their appeal as they strive for the balance between strict party loyalty and the necessity for accessible voting options. As election strategies continue to evolve, the candidates' ability to reconcile these differences could significantly affect their electoral success.