Whistleblower warns USPS rushing new system that could jeopardize mail-in ballots
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-01 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump’s Push for Federal Control Over Mail-In Voting Sparks Warnings of “Catastrophic Failure”
President Trump’s executive order to increase federal oversight of mail-in voting has triggered serious concerns from within the U.S. Postal Service, according to a new report cited by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. The report, which includes warnings from an anonymous Postal Service official, describes the “risky and haphazard implementation” of Trump’s order and cautions that “potentially millions of American voters may not receive their mail-in ballot this election cycle in a timely manner or at all.”
Trump’s Executive Order and Its Impact
The new rules, stemming from Trump’s executive order, seek to restrict mail-in voting by requiring states and the federal government to verify that everyone casting a ballot is a citizen. However, noncitizen voting is already illegal, and there is little evidence it occurs at scale. The whistle-blower’s concerns are twofold: first, the Postal Service would be tasked with verifying state voter rolls—a responsibility it is not equipped to handle. Efforts to create a digital portal for this verification are reportedly going “very poorly,” with experts noting that such a system could take years to develop and test.
Second, the new rules would change how ballots are processed. Previously, mail ballots were given special handling to ensure timely delivery. Under the new system, they would no longer be routed around processing facilities, increasing the risk that ballots could get stuck in slow or complicated mail streams.
Contradictions and Constitutional Issues
Despite having voted by mail himself, Trump has continued to push for more restrictions and greater federal control over mail-in voting. This approach would inject the federal government into the voting process at every level across the country, raising constitutional concerns. The U.S. Constitution gives states—not the federal government—primary authority over election procedures. Experts warn that making the Postal Service a national clearinghouse for ballots is unprecedented and that the agency is not equipped for such a task.
Potential Impact on Voters
Nearly a third of Americans—about 50 million people—voted by mail in the 2024 general election. The new rules could have a significant impact, especially with midterm elections just weeks away. While voting by mail remains popular, its use has declined since 2020. Many voters appreciate the convenience and flexibility of voting from home, which allows them to research candidates and avoid taking time off work.
Leadership and Skepticism
Trump has played an active role in nominating the current postmaster general and several Republican nominees to the Postal Service board, some of whom have expressed skepticism about mail-in voting and the legitimacy of the 2020 election. These officials, if confirmed, would have substantial influence over the agency, although the Supreme Court has ruled that the president can remove independent agency board members at will.
Conclusion
President Trump’s executive order to tighten federal control over mail-in voting has raised alarms about the potential for widespread disruption in the upcoming election. The lack of evidence for large-scale noncitizen voting, combined with operational and constitutional challenges, underscores the risks of implementing such sweeping changes without adequate preparation. As millions of Americans rely on mail-in ballots, the consequences of these new policies could be far-reaching and deeply consequential for the integrity of the electoral process.
