OLYMPIA, Wash – Calling it an “attempt by the administration to undermine state authority”, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs fired back Tuesday about President Trump’s desire to end the practice of voting by mail.
Washington voters have used the mail to vote in elections since 2011.
President Trump has been critical of the practice.
Monday, he said he will lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots and voting machines, vowing to sign an executive order to do so.
He called mail-in voting “corrupt” but did not cite specific evidence.
However, only states and the U.S. Congress can pass laws regulating elections.
Secretary of State Hobbs stood up for the practice in a news release Tuesday.
“The president’s announcement should be rejected for what it is: federal interference in state authority and a direct threat to every eligible American’s right to cast a ballot and have it counted.”
Hobbs cited Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which says “The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing [sic] Senators.”
Hobbs accused the Trump administration of withholding grant money if the state didn’t follow specific requirements.
“In Washington, our system works. Every ballot is accounted for, signatures are verified, and results are audited. We will continue to run secure, transparent, and accessible elections. Voters deserve nothing less.”
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