USPS rules could block mail ballots for millions
Millions of people who plan to vote by mail could be blocked this fall, a federal judge warned.
The Trump administration filed another emergency appeal to the Supreme Court. It seeks to force new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rules into place for November. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani extended her block and said the rules are likely unlawful and could disenfranchise millions who want to vote by mail this close to the election.
The order would require states to attach a unique barcode to every mail ballot and to hand over lists of voters’ names and addresses to USPS. Postal workers would deliver ballots only to people on that federal list. Trump has pushed false claims of widespread mail ballot fraud to justify this.
Weeks earlier, the Supreme Court lifted a block for 23 states and Washington, D.C., letting parts of Trump’s executive order move forward, while another nationwide stop on one USPS provision still stood. Courts are issuing new orders as ballots go out. States and voter groups say this puts Washington in charge and makes voting by mail harder.
The effect is simple: fewer mail votes get through.
When rules change at the last minute, people who counted on voting from home face new hurdles. That can mean rearranging shifts, finding child care, or risking not voting at all. You do not need to be a Democrat to see the problem. You just want your ballot delivered and counted.
Power should come from voters, not from last-minute rules.
If rules block your vote, has the line been crossed?
- Check your mail ballot status with your state and track delivery
- Share this with one person who plans to vote by mail
- Call your state election office and ask how these rules affect mail ballots
- Check your voter registration at Vote.gov
Countdown
The 2026 midterms are in 7 days.
References
Trump administration files another Supreme Court emergency appeal over USPS mail ballot rules – ABC11 News – Sep 6, 2026
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow mail ballot restrictions to move forward for a third time – NBC News – Sep 6, 2026