Florida Republicans have introduced legislation requiring all mail-in ballots to arrive by the close of polls on Election Day, potentially affecting nearly one-third of American voters who cast ballots by mail ahead of the November midterms.

Florida Model Goes National

Representative Laurel Lee of Florida plans to introduce the legislation Thursday, with Senator Ashley Moody leading a companion bill in the Senate. Lee, who served as Florida’s secretary of state from 2019 to May 2022, points to her state’s longstanding practice as proof the system works without restricting voter access. The proposal mandates that election officials receive absentee and mail-in ballots by the end of Election Day, rather than accepting ballots postmarked by that date but arriving later.

Lee emphasized that Florida’s experience demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. The state has used this deadline structure for years while maintaining robust mail voting participation. She stressed that the legislation does not eliminate mail voting options but simply establishes a uniform deadline for ballot receipt across participating states.

Republican Division on Mail Voting

The proposal arrives amid significant internal GOP disagreement over mail-in voting procedures. Republicans in states where vote-by-mail enjoys widespread popularity have voiced concerns about altering established systems just weeks before critical midterm elections. Mail-in ballots have become a divisive issue within the party, with some viewing reforms as necessary election security measures while others fear disrupting voter access in competitive races.

Senator Moody defended the legislation as straightforward reform, calling the current system of accepting ballots days after elections absurd. She argued the Ballots by Election Day Act would restore public confidence and deliver results before voters go to bed on election night. The timing follows President Trump’s March 2025 executive order establishing similar Election Day deadlines for ballot receipt.

Legal Battle Brewing

The legislative push comes as another Trump executive order faces legal challenges from over twenty states. That separate order creates additional verification requirements for the Postal Service, including citizenship proof before delivering ballots and mandatory use of specific stationery for federal election mail. Supporters claim these measures enhance voter confidence, while opponents argue they introduce chaos into a functioning system. The combined effect of both executive action and potential legislation could fundamentally reshape how millions of Americans participate in federal elections going forward.