USPS mail ballot handling scrutiny
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The gist
USPS chief says mail ballots are safe in its hands, amid lawsuits over new rules.
The fight over mail-in voting rules could affect how millions cast ballots this election.
Background
The Trump administration issued an executive order imposing new rules on mail-in voting, requiring states to provide voter lists and creating a federal portal. Several states and voting-rights groups have sued, arguing the rules could disenfranchise voters. The Supreme Court recently removed a roadblock, but a separate injunction remains, and the White House has appealed a ruling that blocked the rule.
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2026Postal Service moves ahead with mail-in ballot rules despite a court's injunction.
- Aug 28, 2026Judge Talwani reinstates a pause on the Trump order, citing risk of disenfranchisement.
- Aug 31, 2026USPS chief says ballots are safe in its possession; Supreme Court removes a key roadblock.
- Sep 1, 2026White House appeals a federal judge's ruling that blocked the rule.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- USPS chief says the agency moves ballot mail safely and securely when in its possession.
- Caution
- Judge Talwani says the rule's interest is dwarfed by the risk of pervasive disenfranchisement.
- Support
- The administration argues the rules are not dramatically different from past practices.
Still unverified
USPS chief said he has no idea what happens to a ballot once it leaves USPS possession, but did not allege any specific wrongdoing.