RNC to work closely Scott Presler for legal ballot harvesting while he retains role with Early Vote Action

The Republican National Committee may not be hiring activist Scott Presler, despite previous comments that he would be leading legal ballot harvesting efforts. A spokesperson for the RNC clarified that while Presler will not be a direct employee, he will remain a "valuable voice" for the organization. Presler will instead be focusing his attention on his non-profit, Early Vote Action. 

Newly-elected RNC co-chair Lara Trump stated last Friday that the RNC would be working closely with Presler in an effort to increase voter turnout in the 2024 election. Presler is known for his efforts in registering thousands of voters and conducting voter registration workshops nationwide. 

"We also have to start thinking about things like legal ballot harvesting," Trump told Benny Johnson, "something we've never embraced as a party," explained Trump. "We're going to start doing it now. I'm going to have a call very soon with Scott Presler, who is an amazing vote registerer. He has registered so many people in this country."

"I think he's fantastic. I want him on our legal ballot harvesting division," said Trump.

The objective in hiring Presler was to enhance the RNC's legal ballot-chasing operations, aiming to counter the ballot-harvesting tactics employed by the Democratic Party. Republicans have long argued that it should be illegal to allow third parties to pick up and deliver ballots for voters. But while this act remains legal in a handful of states, the RNC is seeking to outcompete the Democratic party in this upcoming election. 

"I'm going to have a call very soon with Scott Presler who... has registered so many people in this country. I think he's fantastic. I want him on our legal ballot harvesting division," Lara Trump said to Benny Johnson last week.

Lara Trump emphasized her appreciation for Presler's impactful work in activating voters across the nation.

“Scott Presler has shown what a single individual can accomplish when it comes to activating voters across the country,” Lara Trump said. “I look forward to having his support as both of our organizations share the same goal of getting our friends and neighbors out to vote in this crucial election.”