The U.S. Postal Service has issued new rules for mail-in voting. The rules could add new requirements before the November congressional elections.
However, USPS cannot enforce the rules yet. A federal judge has blocked the changes while the legal case continues.
USPS published the 95-page rule on August 21. The agency said it wants the rule ready if a court lifts the order.
The case raises questions about voting access and federal power. It also puts USPS authority under close legal review.
USPS Sets New Mail-Voting Rules
The new rule would require states to give USPS more voter information.
For example, states would provide voter names and barcodes tied to federal mail ballots. States would also need unique barcodes for ballot envelopes.
USPS could reject ballots from states that do not meet the new rules. However, that step could happen only if the rule takes effect.
The Postal Service says the system would help match ballots sent by states with ballots sent through the mail.
USPS also says the data could help check whether states follow federal law. The agency says it could also help law enforcement.
USPS Would Not Read Ballots
The new system would not let postal workers open sealed ballots.
USPS also would not record a voter’s political party. Instead, the agency would keep information shown on ballot envelopes.
That information could include addresses and barcode data. Therefore, USPS would track mail without seeing how voters cast their ballots.
Judge Blocks USPS Changes
A federal judge has stopped USPS from using the new rules.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston issued the order last week. The case followed President Donald Trump’s push for tighter mail-voting rules.
As a result, USPS cannot enforce the rules unless a court lifts the order.
The rule is set for formal publication on August 26. Meanwhile, the court case could decide whether the changes apply before November.
States Question USPS Power
Several states and Democratic lawmakers have challenged the USPS plan.
They question whether the Postal Service has the legal power to set these election rules.
They also warn that new rules could create problems for voters and election officials. This concern is especially important because the election is approaching.
As a result, the case could test how much power the federal government has over election procedures.
Trump Administration Supports Changes
The USPS plan follows an executive order Trump signed in March.
Trump has long supported stricter rules for mail voting. The USPS rule is part of a wider effort to increase federal oversight.
However, voting-rights groups and Democratic officials have criticized the plan.
Election lawyer Marc Elias also criticized the USPS decision and its legal arguments. The White House had not immediately responded to the criticism.
Court Fight Could Shape November Election
The timing makes the case important for election lawyers and state officials.
If a court lifts the order, USPS could quickly put the new rules in place. States would then face new steps for federal mail ballots.
On the other hand, the rules would stay blocked if the court keeps the order in place.
The case could therefore become a key test of federal power over election mail.
Legal Issues to Watch
The case involves several major legal issues. These include election law, voting rights, agency power, and executive authority.
For law students and attorneys, the court’s decision could provide an important example of agency power.
Furthermore, the case shows how courts can review federal action based on a presidential order.
The ruling could also affect future debates over mail voting. States and federal agencies may use the decision when setting election rules.
For now, USPS has prepared the new rules but cannot enforce them. The courts will decide what happens next.
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USPS Takes Aim at Mail Voting With New Rules first appeared on
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