USPS Finalizes Rule Restricting Mail-In Ballots Amid Court Battles

The United States Postal Service published a 95-page final rule on August 22, 2026, establishing strict new verification requirements for mail-in ballots. Following a March executive order from President Donald Trump, the rule requires states to submit eligible voter rosters and home addresses to a Federal Ballot Mail Portal and use envelopes with unique Intelligent Mail barcodes. The USPS stated it would refuse to deliver ballots from states that fail to comply with these federal demands.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani blocked the enforcement of the rule through a preliminary injunction, which was later upheld by an appeals court. Talwani argued that changing election rules less than 90 days before the November 3 midterm elections would cause confusion and chaos. The United States Department of Justice opposed the injunction, claiming plaintiffs failed to demonstrate particularized injury.

While the USPS published the regulation to allow for immediate implementation if legal hurdles are cleared, the agency informed the Supreme Court it will not enforce the rule unless the court rules in its favor. The federal government has since sued 30 states and Washington DC for refusing to provide the required voter lists. This administrative push coincides with the Trump 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.