Key facts
- Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed the USPS will withhold mail-in ballots from states not sharing voter data with the federal government.
- The proposed rule is part of President Trump's effort to combat suspected mail-in voter fraud.
- Steiner defended the measure as a procedural precaution to ensure ballots go to eligible voters.
- Democrats argue the rule improperly inserts the federal government into election administration.
- The USPS is facing financial difficulties and requires congressional assistance.
Postmaster General David Steiner informed Congress that the U.S. Postal Service plans to withhold mail-in ballots from states that do not share sensitive voter data with the federal government, a move aligned with a proposed rule from the Trump administration. Steiner defended the measure during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, stating it is intended to ensure "the right ballots are going to the right people."
During the hearing, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) questioned Steiner on whether the Postal Service would still mail ballots if states refused to provide their absentee voter lists. Steiner confirmed that under the proposed regulation, they would not.
President Trump issued an executive order in March directing the USPS to propose a rule requiring states to provide a list of eligible voters at least 60 days before any federal elections, as part of his efforts to address suspected mail-in voter fraud. Democrats have voiced concerns, arguing that the proposed rule represents an attempt by Trump to federalize elections and questioning the Postal Service's authority to enforce such a rule, as election administration is constitutionally a state responsibility.
Steiner acknowledged that the USPS does not have the authority to administer elections but described the rule as a procedural safeguard to ensure ballots are sent only to eligible voters. He suggested that states would likely want to share this information to verify ballot distribution. Steiner also stated that the Postal Service would adhere to any court orders regarding mail-in voting.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) urged Steiner to resist the proposal, calling it an attempt by Trump to improperly involve the federal government in election administration and warning against the Postal Service becoming a "pawn in this authoritarian playbook."
The proposed rule is currently in a 30-day public comment period and the Trump administration is expected to issue a final rule by the end of July.