DeSantis Defends Florida’s System As Trump Pushes To Ban Mail-In Voting

Mail in voting ballots sitting on the kitchen counter of a home

Photo: AJ_Watt / E+ / Getty Images

FLORIDA - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s call to eliminate mail-in voting across the U.S.

Speaking in the Oval Office on August 18th, Trump announced plans for an executive order to end mail ballots, claiming they foster corruption and hinder democracy.

DeSantis, however, argued that Florida’s secure mail-voting system, strengthened by anti-fraud measures, should be exempt from such a ban.

He suggested Trump’s concerns focus on states like California, where ballots are allegedly sent without strict oversight, unlike Florida’s regulated process.

Florida has utilized mail ballots since the Civil War, with significant adoption in the 1990s under Republican leadership. In 2024, approximately 1 million Republicans (22% of GOP votes) and 1.25 million Democrats (36% of Democratic votes) cast mail ballots in the state.

DeSantis emphasized reforms, including limited drop boxes and mandatory ballot requests per election cycle, as proof of Florida’s secure system.

He noted mail voting’s necessity for snowbirds and overseas military voters, calling a total ban impractical.

Legal experts state that a federal ban could violate the Constitution, as states hold authority over their elections.

Trump himself praised Florida’s mail-voting system in a 2020 X post, calling it secure, despite his recent criticisms.

DeSantis’ defense highlights Florida’s balance of voter access and election integrity amid ongoing national debates.


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