Trump and Republican leaders are zeroing in on mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, arguing that delayed counts fuel distrust in the election process. They’ve framed these ballots—often legally valid under state rules—as a source of potential fraud, even though there’s no evidence to support those claims. Critics say this rhetoric undermines confidence in elections and could lay groundwork for future disputes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about counting ballots—it’s about shaping how people view the fairness of elections. By amplifying unfounded fraud concerns, the GOP risks deepening divisions and setting the stage for more post-election chaos, regardless of who wins. For voters, it’s another sign that trust in the system is becoming a political battleground.