POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: 18 Rumors About Mail-In Ballots, Examined
The Claim As the 2026 midterm election season approaches, a wave of viral claims about mail-in ballots has circulated across social media platforms, many of which are attributed to former U.S....
The Claim
As the 2026 midterm election season approaches, a wave of viral claims about mail-in ballots has circulated across social media platforms, many of which are attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies. These claims often center around allegations of widespread fraud, security vulnerabilities, and legal irregularities in the mail-in voting process. Among the most frequently shared narratives is the assertion that mail-in ballots are inherently prone to fraud, that they were ‘lost’ in large numbers during recent elections, and that they have been used to manipulate election outcomes.
One specific claim that gained traction was the suggestion that over 10 million mail-in ballots were ‘lost’ during California’s 2022 midterms, a claim that was later debunked by fact-checkers. Additionally, there have been repeated false assertions that President Trump himself has never voted by mail, despite public records showing he did so during his second term. These claims, often amplified by conservative media outlets and social media influencers, have fueled public distrust in the integrity of mail-in voting systems.
The Details & Investigation
Snopes, a leading fact-checking website, has extensively examined numerous claims related to mail-in ballots, particularly those made by former President Donald Trump and his supporters. One of the most persistent myths is the idea that mail-in voting is more susceptible to fraud than in-person voting. This claim has been repeatedly debunked by election officials, law enforcement agencies, and academic studies, which consistently show that mail-in voting is secure and that instances of fraud are exceedingly rare.
A notable example is the claim that 10 million mail-in ballots were ‘lost’ in California during the 2022 midterms. According to official records from the California Secretary of State, no such number of ballots was lost or misplaced. The state’s election infrastructure is designed with multiple safeguards to ensure that each ballot is accounted for, and any discrepancies are investigated thoroughly. Snopes confirmed this in a detailed report dated January 20, 2023, which cited official data and statements from election authorities.
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Another recurring claim is that President Trump has never voted by mail. However, public records and news reports, including one from AP News on March 24, 2026, show that Trump cast a mail-in ballot in Florida as part of his efforts to push Congress to limit mail-in voting options. This contradicts the narrative promoted by some of his allies, who have falsely claimed he has never used the method. Additionally, Snopes has tracked multiple instances where Trump and his campaign have spread misleading information about the security of mail-in ballots, often without evidence to support their claims.
These claims fall under the category of DISINFORMATION, as they are deliberately crafted to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. They are often disseminated through coordinated social media campaigns and amplified by political figures seeking to influence public opinion. While some of the claims may stem from genuine confusion or lack of knowledge (which could be classified as MISINFORMATION), the consistent and targeted nature of these narratives suggests a deliberate effort to mislead voters.
The Verdict
The viral claims about mail-in ballots examined in this report are largely FALSE or MISLEADING, based on verified evidence and official records. The assertion that mail-in ballots are inherently fraudulent or that millions were ‘lost’ in California is not supported by any credible data. Similarly, the claim that President Trump has never voted by mail is demonstrably false, as evidenced by public records and news coverage.
While some of these claims may have originated from misunderstanding or incomplete information, the broader context of their dissemination—particularly by high-profile political figures—suggests a deliberate attempt to distort public perception. As such, these claims qualify as DISINFORMATION, as they are intentionally designed to sow doubt and confusion about the legitimacy of mail-in voting. Voters should rely on verified sources, such as official election websites and reputable fact-checking organizations like Snopes, when evaluating claims about the electoral process.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
