Full Breakdown
USPS Final Rule on Mail-In Ballots Remains Blocked Pending Court Action
8/25/2026, 12:23:39 AM
Core Event
The United States Postal Service issued a 95-page final rule that would require states to submit voter-level information—including names, addresses and Intelligent Mail barcodes—to a new “Federal Ballot Mail Portal” before mail-in ballots could be delivered. The agency would refuse delivery to any non-compliant state. The rule is slated for formal publication on August 26 but cannot take effect while existing federal injunctions remain in place.
Background & Context
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 31 directing the USPS to tighten mail-in voting procedures and create a federal voter database for law-enforcement use. A Boston federal judge blocked the order in June, and a second injunction was issued on August 11. The USPS rule is intended to implement that order, though the agency says it will not determine voter eligibility, maintain voter rolls, or count ballots.
Data & Statistics
- The rule spans 95 pages and follows a review of more than 200,000 public comments.
- States must provide a list of voters who request mail ballots, along with outbound and return barcodes, at least 30 days before the election when practicable.
- It applies to federal general, special and runoff elections but not to primaries or military/overseas ballots covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some sources note the rule will not collect citizenship data, while others describe it as part of a broader effort that could include citizenship verification.
- The rule’s impact on the upcoming November 3, 2026 midterm elections remains uncertain because the injunctions prevent implementation, and the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the underlying executive order.
Timeline
- March 31 – Executive order issued.
- June 2 – USPS proposes the rule.
- August 11 – Judge Talwani issues a second preliminary injunction.
- August 26 – Scheduled publication date for the final rule.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If the administration can determine who is American enough to register to vote, who can prove it sufficiently, then they would have a lot of power to shape the electorate,” — Jonathan Diaz, Campaign Legal Center
- “Yesterday’s new mail-in voting rule is an attempt to weaponize USPS as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to take over elections,” — Michael McNulty, Issue One
What’s Next
The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to lift the injunctions so the rule could be applied before the November 3, 2026 midterms. The Court’s decision will determine whether the USPS can enforce the new verification requirements for mail-in ballots.
