US Postal Service rule tightens mail-in voting despite court orders blocking changes | US voting rights
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-21 21:06:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Pushes Aggressive Mail-In Ballot Restrictions Despite Court Orders
Donald Trump’s administration is moving forward with sweeping new restrictions on mail-in voting, even as federal courts have blocked the changes from taking effect. The US Postal Service (USPS) acknowledged in a final rule posted online that it is prepared to enforce requirements stemming from a March executive order signed by Trump, which would force states to provide the federal government with detailed voter information before the November midterm elections.
Trump’s Executive Order Targets Mail Voting
Trump signed an executive order in March that prohibits the USPS from delivering ballots to any voters not included on a federal list of citizens deemed eligible by the Department of Homeland Security. This order would require states to hand over names and barcodes tied to mail-in ballots for federal elections, and to adopt new balloting procedures. If states refuse, the USPS would not deliver ballots to those voters.
Despite two federal court injunctions—one in California and one in Massachusetts—currently blocking the rule, the Trump administration is pressing ahead. The USPS has stated it is ready to implement the new restrictions if the injunctions are lifted, aiming to give election officials “as much time as possible before the next election” to comply.
Federal Lawsuits and Widespread Opposition
The federal government has already sued 30 states and Washington, DC, for refusing to provide lists of eligible voters. The USPS received more than 200,000 public comments on the proposed rule change, reflecting significant public concern and opposition.
Contradictions and Double Standards
Trump has repeatedly attacked mail-in voting and sought to restrict its use, claiming it leads to fraud and undermines election integrity. However, Trump himself voted by mail in Florida’s Republican primary this year—at least the third time he has used mail-in ballots. This contradiction highlights a pattern in which Trump disparages mail-in voting for others while taking advantage of it personally.
Conclusion: Ongoing Efforts to Limit Voter Access
Nearly one in three Americans voted by mail in 2024, but Trump’s executive order and the USPS’s proposed rule would sharply limit access to mail-in ballots. By requiring states to share sensitive voter information and threatening to withhold ballot delivery, Trump’s administration is taking unprecedented steps to restrict voting by mail, even in the face of court orders and widespread public opposition. This ongoing effort underscores the administration’s determination to reshape how Americans vote, raising serious questions about access, fairness, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/21/us-postal-service-mail-in-voter-rule