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President Donald Trump faced criticism from a prominent governor of a key swing state, who dismissed his proposal to eliminate mail-in voting through executive order. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a notable potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, expressed his disdain during a press conference held in Harrisburg on Wednesday.
Shapiro emphasized that Trump can issue any executive orders he desires, but he cannot alter the Constitution using such methods. He stated, “Donald Trump can sign whatever the hell executive orders he wants to sign and make a show out of whatever he wants, but he can’t change the Constitution with an executive order.” This comment highlights an ongoing debate about the power dynamics between state and federal election laws.
During the press conference, Shapiro reiterated that individual states hold the authority to determine their election regulations, according to the Constitution. He remarked, “The Constitution gives the authority to set our election rules to the states.” This assertion underscores the traditional view that states play a crucial role in managing their election procedures.
Shapiro referred to the bipartisan support for mail-in voting enacted about five years ago, which illustrates the evolution of voting practices in the United States. He noted that a significant majority in the House and Senate approved mail-in voting, underlining its acceptance across party lines. During his remarks, Shapiro said, “Let me remind you that it was just about five years ago that a bipartisan majority in the House and in the Senate passed mail-in voting. And since then, millions of people have voted by mail.”
He was specifically referencing the 2019 Act 77, a law supported by several Republicans, which allowed for mail-in ballots. However, in recent years, some of those same individuals have criticized the law, alleging that Democrats and left-leaning judges have undermined it through court rulings.
Shapiro defended the integrity of Pennsylvania’s elections, stating that they have been “free and fair.” He pointed out that Trump has previously secured victories as well as defeats in the state over the course of his political career. Shapiro remarked, “For him to try and put more misinformation out there, to stoke more division and fear amongst people who want to exercise their constitutional right to pick the leaders in their communities and in their commonwealth – that is just cynical and wrong.”
As the discussion surrounding Trump’s potential executive order unfolded, Shapiro insisted that any directive from the former president would bear “no bearing” on Pennsylvania’s electoral processes. He pledged support for election officials across all 67 counties in maintaining mail-in voting as an essential part of the electoral framework.
Shapiro’s response comes amid increasing scrutiny over Trump’s comments regarding mail-in ballots. Trump has previously labeled these ballots as corrupt and suggested eliminating them entirely. His statement in a recent post hints at a shift in the election system, as he vowed to “lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots.”
In a Truth Social post, Trump indicated his intention to sign an executive order aimed at enhancing the transparency of the 2026 midterm elections, asserting that states act merely as agents of the federal government in this context. Such rhetoric has raised alarms among election officials and advocates who fear it may undermine voter confidence.
Adding to the discourse, former Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler, a Republican from Lancaster, criticized the mail-in voting law Shapiro defended. He accused Democrats and the state’s Supreme Court, which is mainly Democratic-controlled, of intentionally diluting the original legislative intent behind the law.
Cutler stated, “Only one party worked to eliminate security safeguards and delay the timelines for elections.” He added that the court “unconstitutionally acted to change the law for receiving and counting ballots” and referred to the controversial introduction of drop boxes and the removal of security protocols for mail-in ballots.
As debate swirls around Trump’s mail-in ballot stance, it reflects deeper ideological divides on election integrity and access to voting. Many voters remain concerned about potential changes that could affect their ability to cast ballots effectively.
Shapiro has publicly vowed to continue advocating for mail-in voting and ensuring that all residents can exercise their right to vote without unnecessary barriers. He has urged all stakeholders to focus on maintaining the integrity of the democratic process rather than succumb to misinformation.
In the context of Pennsylvania’s electoral landscape, Trump’s potential actions may influence his base, but the governor’s steadfast endorsement of mail-in voting signals a commitment to protecting voters’ rights. The upcoming elections will test whether state leaders can successfully navigate these tumultuous political waters.
As Trump prepares to address further changes in election procedures, it is imperative for state officials and voters alike to remain informed about their rights and the evolving landscape of voting in America. Engaging in these discussions will be vital for ensuring a fair electoral process in the future.
The intersection of state authority, federal intentions, and public opinion will continue to shape the future of voting in Pennsylvania and beyond.
