Former President Donald Trump recently made comments at a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, casting doubt on early voting and suggesting, without evidence, that fraud occurs in the process. Trump criticized the ability to vote early, stating, 'We gotta get out and vote. You can start right away. You know that, right? Now we have this stupid stuff where you can vote 45 days early.' He also questioned the handling of early ballots, asking, 'What the hell happens to them before the election?'
Trump's remarks come amidst his ongoing false claims about the 2020 election outcome and voter fraud. Despite encouraging his supporters to vote early, he has consistently spread misinformation about the electoral process. He vowed to prevent a repeat of what he called the 'disgraceful' events of the last election.
In virtual rallies, Trump has been urging supporters in various states, including Virginia and Minnesota, to vote early and by mail. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every ballot counts and urged voters to verify their ballots.
Additionally, Trump's running mate, JD Vance, encouraged faith-based voters in North Carolina to utilize early and mail-in voting options. Vance acknowledged the extended election period, stating, 'I don’t love that this country has gone from Election Day to election season, but it is what it is, and we gotta play by the rules that are set.'
Despite his past criticisms of absentee, mail-in, and early voting, the Trump campaign announced a program in June aimed at promoting these voting practices. This move contrasts with Trump's previous disparagement of such methods while perpetuating false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
