Following Trump, Republicans in Congress Propose to Ban Most Voting by Mail

New York Times
by Carl Hulse
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Republican senators are advancing a bill that would severely restrict or eliminate mail-in voting nationwide.

How This Affects You

Millions of Americans who rely on absentee ballots for voting could lose voting access if mail-in voting is eliminated or severely restricted.

AI Summary

Republican senators are advancing a restrictive voter ID bill that would severely curtail mail-in voting, with some conservatives pushing to eliminate the practice altogether. Mail-in voting has become widely used by American voters across both parties, particularly since its expansion during the 2020 election cycle. The proposal reflects the Trump administration's alignment with Republicans who view mail-in ballots as a vulnerability in election security, though voting rights advocates argue the practice is safe and essential for voter access. The Senate bill represents an aggressive push by the party to reshape voting procedures in ways that could affect millions of Americans who rely on absentee ballots. The outcome will likely depend on whether the measure can secure enough support to advance through the divided chamber.

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