USPS Issues Rule Restricting Mail-In Ballots for Midterms

The United States Postal Service published a final rule on Friday to restrict mail-in voting for the November midterm congressional elections. This regulation follows a March executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Under the new rule, states must provide the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security, with voter lists and unique barcodes for mail-in ballots. The USPS will refuse to deliver ballots from states that do not comply.

While the 95-page regulation is designed for immediate implementation, federal court injunctions in California and Massachusetts currently block its adoption. The U.S. Department of Justice has informed the Supreme Court, which is reviewing the matter, that the government will not enforce the rule unless the court rules in its favor.

In response to the mandate, the federal government has sued 30 states and Washington DC for refusing to provide the required voter lists. Postmaster General David Steiner defended the plan, stating the agency intends to match the ballots that a state believes they are sending out to what actually gets sent out.