Full Breakdown
Appeals Court Temporarily Restores USPS Ability to Advance Trump-Backed Mail-in Voting Rule
7/18/2026, 1:09:47 PM
Court Decision Revives USPS Mail-in Voting Rule
On Friday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a two-page order staying a district-court injunction that had barred the United States Postal Service from implementing a proposed election-mail rule. The stay meets the legal standard for a temporary pause, allowing the Postal Service to continue developing the rule while the underlying lawsuit proceeds. The order does not resolve the merits of the case or determine the rule’s ultimate legality.
Background & Legal Context
The rule originates from President Donald Trump’s March executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting procedures. It would require states to furnish the Postal Service with voter registration lists and serialized ballot barcodes before mailing federal election ballots. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) challenged the rule in a 2020 case, arguing that it conflicts with a 2021 settlement obligating the Postal Service to prioritize timely election-mail delivery through 2028. A lower-court judge had previously blocked the rule, but the appellate panel found the NAACP’s challenge “not yet ripe” and that the rule likely would not breach the settlement.
Official Statements & Responses
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli hailed the decision, saying it “is a win for election integrity and would have significant implications for states like California that refuse to submit their voter rolls to verify compliance with federal election laws.” The panel emphasized that leaving the injunction in place would prevent the agency from issuing a final rule before the November 2026 general election, noting that “there can be no do over” once the election occurs.
Criticism & Opposition
Voting-rights advocates warn the rule could enable the Postal Service to refuse delivery of ballots to eligible voters who are not on approved lists or whose states fail to meet the new federal requirements. They argue the proposal would severely restrict mail voting, especially in states such as California where the majority of ballots are cast by mail.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This ruling is a win for election integrity and would have significant implications for states like California that refuse to submit their voter rolls to verify compliance with federal election laws,” — Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “there can be no do over” — D.C. Circuit panel (opinion)
- “Bloomberg via Getty Images 3 According to SCOTUS Wire, the proposed rule would require states to provide voter registration lists and serialized ballot barcodes before the Postal Service mails federal election ballots.” — SCOTUS Wire description
- “Voting rights advocates have warned that Trump’s rule could allow USPS to refuse to deliver ballots to eligible voters if they are not on approved lists or if states fail to comply with new federal requirements.” — Democracy Docket analysis
