Story perspectives

Justice Department Asks Supreme Court to Lift Postal Voting Ban

9/7/2026

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Justice Department Appeals Injunction

On Sunday, Sept 6, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department petitioned the Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking Postal Service’s mail-in voting rule.
The filing could disenfranchise millions of voters who depend on mail-in ballots.
Judge Indira Talwani, an Obama appointee, extended the injunction indefinitely.
The rule would force states to upload ballot lists to a non-operational new federal portal.

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Justice Department Seeks Lift

On Sunday, Sept 6, 2026, U.S. Justice Department filed a petition with the Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking the Postal Service’s mail-in voting rule.
The administration argues the injunction would sow confusion and chaos, while presenting the rule as a step that safeguards the mail system from voter fraud.
Solicitor General John Sauer said envelopes are mailed in North Carolina and Alabama starts Sept 9.

History

Historical Context

The Help America Vote Act, signed by President George W. Bush on Oct 29 2002 after the 2000 election controversy, was authored by Senator Christopher Dodd and passed 357-48 in the House. It created the Election Assistance Commission and forced states to upgrade voting equipment and centralize voter-registration databases, establishing uniform mail-ballot rules. The 2026 Justice Department petition to the Supreme Court seeks to restore those federal standards.

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Justice Department Appeals Injunction

On Sunday, Sept 6, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department petitioned the Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking Postal Service’s mail-in voting rule.
The filing could disenfranchise millions of voters who depend on mail-in ballots.
Judge Indira Talwani, an Obama appointee, extended the injunction indefinitely.
The rule would force states to upload ballot lists to a non-operational new federal portal.

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