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Trump appeals mail-voting restrictions
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Trump administration appealed to Supreme Court to allow USPS mail-ballot restrictions. The court fight could affect mail voting in November midterms.
Background
President Trump signed an executive order in March directing federal agencies to restrict mail-in voting, including a USPS rule that would require states to submit voter lists and use uniform envelopes. A federal judge in Boston blocked the rule, and the administration has appealed, leading to a legal battle that could impact the upcoming November midterm elections.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2026President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to take steps on mail-in voting, including a USPS rule.
- Aug 24, 2026The Supreme Court ruled on procedural grounds, allowing the plan to move ahead temporarily but not deciding its legality.
- Aug 28, 2026U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a temporary restraining order blocking the USPS rule, and the administration appealed.
- Sep 1, 2026A whistleblower report warned that the USPS plan could 'derail' the midterm election due to untested technology.
- Sep 3, 2026The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, asking it to pause the lower court's block.
Who’s saying what
- Administration
- The restrictions are 'commonsense measures' to protect ballot security and prevent voter fraud.
- Opponents
- The rule would make mail voting 'virtually impossible' and cause 'mass disenfranchisement.'
- Judge
- Judge Talwani found the plan likely illegal because USPS lacks authority to control voting by mail.
Still unverified
The whistleblower report's claims about potential ballot delays have not been independently verified, and USPS did not respond to requests for comment.