USPS mail voting rule debate
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
USPS published a final rule Friday requiring states to share voter data for mail ballots, despite court blocks. The rule awaits Supreme Court review, potentially affecting November midterm elections.
Background
The U.S. Postal Service published a final rule on Friday, August 21, 2026, that would require states to provide voter data and adopt new procedures for mail-in ballots, as part of President Trump's March executive order on election integrity. The rule is currently blocked by federal injunctions in California and Massachusetts, but the administration is appealing to the Supreme Court. The rule would only take effect if the injunctions are lifted or the Supreme Court rules in favor.
How it unfolded
- Mar 31, 2026President Trump signed an executive order directing USPS to tighten mail-in voting rules, including requiring states to share voter lists.
- Jun 2, 2026USPS first proposed the rule, which would require states to provide voter data and adopt new procedures for mail-in ballots.
- Aug 18, 2026A federal judge blocked part of the executive order, adding to an earlier injunction in Massachusetts.
- Aug 21, 2026USPS published the final rule in the Federal Register, despite the injunctions, stating it would not implement it until the Supreme Court rules.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- USPS says the rule is necessary to enforce federal law and protect election integrity, and will not implement it until legal challenges are resolved.