USPS Finalizes Mail-In Ballot Rules Amid Court Battles

The United States Postal Service finalized a 95-page rule on August 22, 2026, that restricts the delivery of mail-in ballots for the November 3 midterm elections. Following a March executive order from President Donald Trump, the regulation requires states to submit eligible voter rosters and unique Intelligent Mail barcodes to a new Federal Ballot Mail Portal. The USPS stated it would refuse to deliver or would return ballots from states that fail to comply with these verification standards.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has twice blocked the enforcement of these rules, ruling that changing election procedures less than 90 days before the midterms would cause confusion and chaos. Despite these injunctions, the USPS published the final rule to ensure immediate implementation if the courts reverse their decisions. The U.S. Department of Justice has opposed the injunctions, arguing that plaintiffs have not demonstrated particularized injury, and has sued 30 states and Washington DC for refusing to provide the required voter lists.

Implementation now depends on the Supreme Court of the United States, which is reviewing the legality of the restrictions. The administration has informed the court it will not enforce the rule unless it rules in the government's favor. This regulatory push coincides with the administration's advocacy for the SAVE America Act, which would mandate photo ID and proof of citizenship for voters, though the legislation remains stalled in the Senate.