New Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley delivered a speech at the New York Republican Committee’s annual gala, emphasizing the importance of increasing early voting by mail among Republicans ahead of the November election. Despite previous criticisms of mail-in voting by presumptive nominee Donald Trump, Whatley highlighted the need to register new Republican voters, utilize technology and digital data, and actively engage with potential voters to secure votes.
While Trump has voiced concerns about mail-in voting being corrupt and leading to fraud, Whatley stressed that the focus should be on getting Republicans to vote, regardless of the method. He acknowledged the trend of over 50% of all voters nationwide participating in early voting and emphasized the importance of communication through various channels such as door knocks, phone calls, mail, and digital platforms to reach out to voters before Election Day.
The RNC has outlined plans to target potential early voters in key states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. By taking advantage of early voting opportunities, mail ballots, and legal ballot harvesting where applicable, the RNC aims to secure a significant number of Republican votes. Whatley, who was endorsed by Trump to lead the RNC after the former president influenced the decision to replace Ronna McDaniel, humorously shared his experience of Trump inviting him to take over the chairmanship.
Following his unanimous election as chair in Houston with Trump’s support and no opposition, Whatley joked about Trump’s call to him, suggesting that while Trump did not directly ask him to take on the role, the call itself was significant. Trump also appointed his daughter-in-law Lara and top adviser Chris LaCivita to key positions within the RNC. Despite the predetermined nature of the election result due to Trump’s endorsement, RNC members indicated that Whatley’s leadership was well-received.
In his speech, Whatley emphasized the need to build a national early vote program that targets potential Republican voters through various outreach efforts. By recruiting hundreds of thousands of volunteers to engage in brief conversations with voters, the RNC aims to increase Republican voter turnout through early voting, Election Day participation, and mail-in ballots. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of securing votes for Republican candidates across the country, regardless of the voting method chosen by individual voters.
In conclusion, Michael Whatley’s address to the New York GOP highlighted the RNC’s efforts to expand early voting by mail among Republicans, despite Trump’s previous criticisms of the practice. The focus on increasing voter registration, utilizing technology and data, and engaging with potential voters underscores the RNC’s commitment to securing votes for Republican candidates in the upcoming election. Through a multi-faceted approach that includes door-to-door outreach, phone calls, mailings, and digital communication, the RNC aims to mobilize Republican voters and drive turnout in key states. With Trump’s support and key appointments within the RNC, Whatley and his team are poised to implement their early vote program and work towards a successful election outcome for the Republican Party.
