The postal vote, as we know, represented the bête noire of the Republicans in the 2020 elections. Donald Trump spoke of fraud and also attempted legal appeals. This year, however, it seems that the GOP has decided to counterattack to reduce the margin of advantage of the Dems in this type of vote. Probably not by chance, the greatest efforts are being implemented in Pennsylvania: one of the most important states ahead of the presidential elections next November. A state in which, according to the polling average of Real Clear PoliticsTrump would currently be slightly ahead of Kamala Harris. To try to look more closely at the Republican strategy regarding postal voting, Panorama.it interviewed Cliff Maloney: the founder of Pennsylvania Chase. This is an organization that, in coordination with the Trump team and the GOP National Committee, is carrying out a door-to-door campaign in Pennsylvania to increase the Republican postal vote. A campaign which, as we will see, is bearing significant fruit.
Cliff Maloney, why is it important for Republicans to increase mail voting in Pennsylvania and key states? What is the advantage over simply voting in person on Election Day?
“Republican candidates at the state level in Pennsylvania averaged only 20% of the mail vote compared to Democrats’ 80%. We cannot win unless we fix this deficit. If we increase Donald Trump’s share of the mail vote to 25 -28%, he becomes competitive. Pennsylvania Chase ultimately wants the Republican Party candidates to reach 33% because with that result, combined with the typical GOP support on the occasion of theElection DayPennsylvania will be solidly Republican.”
What strategy are you implementing to encourage Republican mail voting in Pennsylvania?
“Pennsylvania Chase has 120 full-time card hunters right now, housed in ten Airbnbs in targeted areas. We want to knock on 500,000 doors. As of Saturday we have knocked on 221,000 doors. We are on track to visit 500,000 homes: the goal is to increase the return of mail-in ballots to Trump.”
Is Republican mail voting in Pennsylvania growing in the current election cycle? If so, how much is it increasing compared to 2020?
“We knew that Covid increased mail-in ballot requests for both parties. So we know that in 2024 there will be a decline. Our goal is to make sure we perform better than the Democrats when it comes to the decline. In this moment, we are beating them based on the decline. Democrats have received 439,000 fewer requests, while Republicans have 78,000 fewer requests Democrats will continue to win in voting by mail, but if we can reduce this advantage to a competitive rate. we will win.”
Are you concerned that voter fraud may occur in Pennsylvania and key states regarding mail voting? If so, what measures are you taking to avoid possible fraud?
“I am always concerned about elections being fair. We are encouraging Republican voters to deliver their mail-in ballot to the county clerk’s office.”
Do you think Trump will win Pennsylvania this year?
“Yes, I think President Trump will win Pennsylvania because of the full synergy between the Republican National Committee, Trump’s campaign, the state campaigns, Turning Point Action, Early Vote Action, Pennsylvania Chase and all other grassroots organizations working together.”
