There’s a bit of a disconnect now between GOP leaders like Delaware County National Committeeman Andy Reilly and the Republican base over early voting, writes Neil Vigdor for The New York Times.

For years, the leadership claimed that early voting and mail-in ballots created fraud and helped Democrats steal elections.

Now top Republicans say the party must adapt or face electoral setbacks, especially in key states.

The Republican National Committee has even created a program, “Bank Your Vote” to promote early voting.

Party pragmatists highlight the success Democrats have had taking advantage of longer voting periods instead of just Election Day.

Reilly said it’s hard to match the strength of Democrats’ early voting operation.

“You better have a damn good Election Day operation,” he said. “There’s no such thing as Election Day operations now. It’s election season that they have to embrace.”

Reilly said Republicans have not realized that sometimes events keep voters from getting to the polls on Election Day.  

“Life gets in the way,” said Andy Reilly. It’s a mistake limiting voting to one day, he said.

 “It is, in essence, suppressing the Republican vote.”

Read more about this reversal from the GOP leadership on early voting and mail-in ballots at The New York Times.