Key facts
- A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new rules that tighten mail-in voting requirements.
- The rule was adopted at President Donald Trump's direction.
- The U.S. Postal Service had allowed the rule to take effect on Wednesday.
- The rule requires states to supply USPS with lists of mail ballot recipients and for all ballot envelopes to bear unique barcodes.
- USPS may refuse to deliver ballots that do not comply with the new standards or are associated with voters not on the lists.
- The judge issued a temporary restraining order that will remain in place while she considers a preliminary injunction.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new rules that would tighten mail-in voting requirements, a move initiated by President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a temporary restraining order after Democratic-led states and voting rights groups renewed their legal fight. The USPS had adopted the rule, which requires unique barcodes on all ballot envelopes and states to supply lists of recipients, and it was allowed to take effect on Wednesday.
The plaintiffs argue the USPS lacks the authority to issue such a rule, usurping the authority of states and Congress, and that it undermines the USPS's role as a neutral carrier and violates federal laws protecting voters' rights. They also contend the restrictions risk disenfranchising voters and would unduly burden states in the lead-up to elections.
All 50 states permit some form of mail-in voting, with approximately 30% of voters nationwide casting ballots by mail in the 2024 election, according to USPS data. The restraining order will remain in place while the judge considers a longer-term preliminary injunction, with a hearing scheduled for September 3.