Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), recently stated that the RNC is looking to “physically handle the ballots” during the 2024 election. This comes amidst ongoing criticisms from Republicans regarding voting measures in the wake of Trump’s indictment by the Department of Justice for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Trump has continued to claim, without evidence, that the election was stolen from him through voter fraud.
During an interview with Newsmax, Lara Trump discussed the efforts the RNC is taking for the upcoming election, stating that they will have individuals who can physically handle the ballots. She highlighted that due to a consent decree from 1982 to 2018 limiting Republican poll watcher activity, the RNC was previously unable to train individuals to work in polling locations. However, with the recent passing of the judge who implemented the decree, Lara Trump sees an opportunity for increased involvement in election activities, particularly in what she described as the most important election of our lifetimes.
The push for hand-counted paper ballots has gained traction among Republicans, with concerns over electronic voting systems and their alleged connection to voter fraud claims. My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, a prominent Trump supporter, has been a vocal critic of electronic voting machines and has advocated for the use of paper ballots in U.S. elections. Lindell has also invested in wireless monitoring devices to detect internet connectivity in voting machines, although the legitimacy of these monitoring devices has been questioned.
The RNC’s focus on physically handling ballots reflects a broader effort within the Republican party to ensure election integrity and prevent perceived instances of voter fraud. This approach aligns with ongoing narratives from Trump and his supporters regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. The emphasis on paper ballots and increased involvement in election activities may shape the future of voting procedures and oversight in the United States, particularly as preparations for the 2024 election are underway.
As discussions surrounding election integrity continue to dominate the political landscape, the RNC’s initiative to physically handle ballots marks a significant development in the party’s approach to safeguarding the electoral process. With key figures like Lara Trump and Mike Lindell advocating for a shift towards paper ballots and increased monitoring of voting systems, the Republican party appears poised to make substantive changes in how elections are conducted and overseen. Ultimately, the outcome of these efforts could have far-reaching implications for future elections and the public’s perception of the U.S. electoral system.
