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24 States Sue USPS Mail-In Voting Rule After Injunction Lift

8/28/2026

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States Sue USPS

On August 26, 2026, 24 states and the District of Columbia sued over a U.S. Postal Service mail-in voting rule.
The suit follows a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s order, which the states say exceeds statutory authority.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani lifted the nationwide injunction on the rule.
The Supreme Court, 6-3, said the states’ suit was premature and avoided ruling on rule.

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States Sue USPS

On August 26, 2026, a coalition of 24 states and D.C. filed a lawsuit challenging the USPS mail-in voting rule.
The suit says the rule brands mail ballots as “sensitive mail,” comparing them to replica explosives and cremated remains, causing disenfranchisement.
The rule forces states to upload lists to a USPS portal and use barcoded envelopes.
Plaintiffs claim the regulation breaches the Constitution, Administrative Procedures Act and the Voting Rights Act.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder struck down the Voting Rights Act’s preclearance formula, reshaping election oversight. The ruling eliminated coverage for 197 jurisdictions, representing roughly 50 % of the nation’s minority-voting districts, and empowered state legislatures. Today, 24 states, D.C., and Judge Indira Talwani invoke the Voting Rights Act to challenge the USPS “sensitive mail” rule promoted by Donald Trump. The precedent suggests courts may again scrutinize federal election regulations, potentially restoring broader oversight and influencing future voting-access litigation.

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States Sue USPS

On August 26, 2026, 24 states and the District of Columbia sued over a U.S. Postal Service mail-in voting rule.
The suit follows a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s order, which the states say exceeds statutory authority.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani lifted the nationwide injunction on the rule.
The Supreme Court, 6-3, said the states’ suit was premature and avoided ruling on rule.

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