Inside a Republican Plan to Encourage Early Voting Despite Trump’s Attacks

Within the confines of a sprawling compound in Phoenix, the influential conservative group Turning Point Action is formulating a strategy to combat what they perceive as a critical threat to the Republican Party’s future: the reluctance of their voters to engage in early voting, especially by mail, following the 2020 election. Concerns within the group and among national Republicans have been mounting due to Democrats’ successful mobilization of their base to vote early, leaving GOP voters to turn out mainly on Election Day. This disparity has largely been fueled by the misinformation spread by former President Donald J. Trump regarding mail-in voting, perpetuated at times by Turning Point Action officials, which has instilled deep skepticism among conservative voters.

A sense of urgency permeates their endeavors as Turning Point Action leads the charge for a solution. The group, initially established to cater to young Republicans, has since evolved into a key player in right-wing politics. Their ambitious Chase the Vote program aims to amass over $108 million in funding with a vast team in Arizona and Wisconsin dedicated to identifying Republican-leaning voters who have abstained from recent elections, fostering personal connections with them over months, and ultimately mobilizing them to cast their ballots.

Political finesse will be crucial in navigating this endeavor. With directives to recruit hundreds of individuals to engage with potential voters, the group’s chief operating officer, Tyler Bowyer, underscored the importance of maintaining a nuanced approach. The program represents one of the most substantial and costly efforts on the right to promote early voting among Republicans, acknowledging the necessity of adapting to evolving electoral dynamics.

Party-wide Mistrust, Fueled by Trump

Despite concerted efforts to enhance Republican turnout in early voting, significant obstacles remain. President Trump and his allies continue to propagate baseless claims about mail-in voting fraud, perpetuating a climate of distrust. This skepticism, amplified by Mr. Trump’s assertions during a recent Fox News event and rally in Wisconsin, has significantly impacted Republican participation in early voting.

In the aftermath of the 2020 election, data reveals a stark disparity between Democratic and Republican early voting numbers, with a considerable advantage for Democrats in crucial states. A February study by the Pew Research Center underscored the deep-seated reluctance among Republicans towards mail-in voting, complicating efforts to promote early voting initiatives within the party.

Acknowledging these challenges, the Republican National Committee initiated the Bank Your Vote program to encourage early voting among party members. However, the conflicting messaging from party leaders, influenced by President Trump’s assertions, poses a significant hurdle to fostering a substantial shift in Republican voting behaviors.

‘Soul Searching’ Over a Republican Disadvantage

Reflecting on the outcome of the 2022 election, prominent conservative figure Charlie Kirk highlighted the need for introspection within the party. Witnessing issues such as long wait times and technical glitches at polling places, Mr. Kirk acknowledged the critical role of early voting in shaping election outcomes.

The defeat of Republican candidate Kari Lake in the gubernatorial race underscored the importance of leveraging early voting, which saw a significant Democratic advantage in mail-in ballots. This realization prompted a reevaluation of traditional Republican stances on early voting and mail-in ballots, signaling a potential shift in strategy.

In a bid to address these challenges, Turning Point Action unveiled an ambitious plan to hire hundreds of ballot chasers in key states, aiming to diversify Republican voting habits and enhance electoral participation. Embracing a multifaceted approach, the organization seeks to capitalize on various voting options to bolster Republican engagement in the electoral process.

A Mission to Change Republican Voting Habits

Driving Turning Point’s initiative is an extensive data operation spearheaded by Matthew Martinez, aimed at identifying and mobilizing low-propensity Republican voters. By strategically mapping out precincts and wards in Arizona and Wisconsin, the organization plans to target potential Republican voters in traditionally safe districts, emphasizing the importance of rallying the base.

Beyond bolstering early voting turnout, Turning Point intends to leverage its Chase the Vote infrastructure for election integrity efforts. The focus on relational organizing underscores the group’s commitment to fostering personal connections with skeptical voters, recognizing the need for a nuanced and empathetic approach amidst prevailing political divisions.

‘We Need to Be Ned Flanders’

In embracing a paradigm of relational organizing, Turning Point Action emphasizes the significance of personal connections in mobilizing low-propensity voters. Drawing inspiration from the genial character Ned Flanders from “The Simpsons,” the group underscores the importance of empathy and human connection in engaging with disillusioned voters.

Amidst the challenges posed by skepticism towards early voting among conservatives, the group’s chief operating officer, Tyler Bowyer, advocates for a compassionate and respectful approach in engaging with voters. By fostering genuine connections and eschewing confrontational tactics, Turning Point seeks to effect tangible changes in Republican voting habits.