Trump and GOP criticize counting of late ballots after Election Day
- Trump's executive order aims to change mail ballot counting rules.
- Republicans have criticized states for delayed ballot counting, blaming it on the acceptance of late-arriving mail ballots.
- Legislation has been enacted in several states to eliminate grace periods for mail ballots, emphasizing the need for uniform election standards.
In March 2021, President Donald Trump signed an executive order focusing on election processes, including mail-in voting deadlines, which was delayed due to ongoing lawsuits. This order specifically targeted states where mailed ballots could be counted even if they arrived after Election Day, a practice Trump and other Republicans have criticized, asserting that it contributes to delayed results and fosters conspiracy theories about election integrity. The Supreme Court was set to review a challenge from Illinois as part of multiple lawsuits aimed at establishing a firm deadline for the counting of mail-in ballots on or before Election Day. As a direct result of these efforts, states including Kansas, North Dakota, and Utah enacted laws requiring that all mail ballots must arrive by Election Day. Kansas state Senator Mike Thompson argued for a uniform end to elections, likening delays to extending a game beyond regulation time without justifies. Complaints about ballot counting timelines have been particularly vocal regarding California, where election officials have been criticized for taking a long time to declare winners. Officials noted that even after Election Day, ballots could still be accepted up to a week later, creating frustration among voters and legislators alike. The political climate surrounding the handling of mail ballots intensified after Trump's defeat in the 2020 Presidential election, with claims of widespread fraud amplifying skepticism, particularly among Republican voters. Lawmakers in various states responded by tightening ballot receipt deadlines to mitigate concerns about transparency and efficiency related to the election process. Moving forward, legislators like Assemblyman Marc Berman in California have aimed to balance the needs for timely counting while maintaining the state's certification timeline, showing an awareness of the wider implications of public confidence in elections. There is widespread recognition that the combination of a high volume of mail ballots and late returns significantly affects efficient ballot counting and results announcement. The move to impose stricter deadlines highlights a significant shift in attitudes and policies since the contentious 2020 election cycle, as states work to solidify their election laws amid deepened partisan divides over election integrity.