Rigging The Vote?

President may go to court over Nevada’s universal mail-in ballot legislation

Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution says the “times, places and manner” of holding federal elections for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate is up to each state. Since the people started indirectly electing the president, states have controlled those election procedures as well.

Congress was given the power to override the states in setting national standards or making sure the states follow the Constitution. And Congress has done so several times, including prohibiting voters discrimination, requiring U.S. representatives be elected by district instead of at-large or setting uniform election days.

The states set election procedure. Congress makes sure those standards are constitutional. And if there is some question, the courts will have final say. That’s the way it works.

The president has no say in any of this. But President Donald Trump doesn’t see it that way.

On Sunday, the Nevada Legislature — controlled by the Democratic Party — passed a bill requiring all citizens of the state be sent a mail-in ballot for the coming November election. They said it was because of COVID-19 concerns. The governor — also a Democrat — is expected to sign the legislation. Seven other states have already passed universal mail-in voting bills for the November election.

President Trump has a different view. He regards this as a path to voter fraud designed to favor Democratic candidates — including his opponent Joe Biden.

On Monday, he tweeted, “In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!”

Not too long ago, President Trump suggested the November vote might be postponed. He doesn’t have the power to do that. Same here. Only Congress can override universal mail-in voting options. And we don’t see that happening.

The president’s only option is the courts. So will there be a legal showdown this close to the election? Or is the president just letting off steam?

Probably the latter. But with this president, who can say for sure? Stay tuned.