Story perspectives

Postmaster Vows No Ballot Delivery to States Rejecting Trump

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Postmaster General David Steiner told a panel the Postal Service will not deliver ballots in states that refuse President Donald Trump’s mandate.
Senator Gary Peters said the rule would coerce states into handing over information, calling it unacceptable.
Democrats on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Affairs called the plan unconstitutional and illegal.
The proposal would require the Kit 600 barcode system, with a public comment deadline of July 2.

History

Historical Context

The 2000 Florida presidential contest ended with a 5-4 Supreme Court decision on December 12, 2000 that halted a recount and gave George W. Bush a 537-vote win, exposing voting-system flaws. Those flaws spurred federal and state reforms to modernize ballot handling, a legacy reflected today in the Postal Service’s Kit 600 barcode mandate, which senators Gary Peters and Democratic leaders criticize as repeating centralized-technology pressures.

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Story summary

Postmaster General David Steiner told a panel the Postal Service will not deliver ballots in states that refuse President Donald Trump’s mandate.
Senator Gary Peters said the rule would coerce states into handing over information, calling it unacceptable.
Democrats on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Affairs called the plan unconstitutional and illegal.
The proposal would require the Kit 600 barcode system, with a public comment deadline of July 2.

1 / 2