Supreme Court blocks Trump admin's mail ballot restrictions, easing officials' concerns
The Supreme Court halted the Trump administration's effort to tighten mail-ballot rules, giving election officials clearer guidance before the November midterms.
The Supreme Court issued an unsigned order rejecting the Trump administration’s proposal to impose new mail-ballot restrictions, leaving in place a lower-court ruling that bars the U.S. Postal Service from mandating specialized envelopes and gathering sensitive voter information. Election officials described the ruling as a collective sigh of relief, noting that ballots have already been mailed and Election Day is only weeks away.
Tammy Patrick, CEO of programs at the National Association of Election Administrators and former Arizona elections official, said the decision lets states concentrate on preparing for the November midterms under existing laws. Attorney General Todd Blanche affirmed that the Department of Justice will keep pursuing alleged illegal voting, though he expressed confidence that voters are not confused by the ruling. Officials advise voters to verify their state’s rules, request mail ballots early, and use drop boxes or timely mailing to ensure their votes count.
Why it matters
The decision prevents last-minute changes to mail voting, helping preserve stable election processes for the upcoming midterms.
How this story developed
- Aug 27 Rep. Jake Auchincloss Discusses Congressional Reform and Supreme Court Changes
- Sep 5 Judge extended the preliminary injunction blocking the rule.
- Sep 5 Judge Talwani issued a new order on Friday extending the injunction.
- Sep 6 Administration filed a third petition to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the injunction.
- Sep 8 Missouri Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling requiring a statewide referendum before the GOP‑crafted map can be used.
- Sep 9 Supreme Court issued a 6‑3 stay of the district‑court injunction.
- Sep 10 Federal judge rejected Secretary of State Denny Hoskins' request to block the contempt proceeding.
- Sep 10 First Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration’s request to lift the injunction, leaving the rule blocked through the November elections.
- Sep 11 U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Trump-backed congressional map, requiring use of the 2022 districts.
- Sep 14 A federal judge issued an injunction blocking the USPS mail‑ballot rule.
- Sep 14 Trump labeled the White House a “dump” and highlighted additional renovation projects such as the Reflecting Pool and nearby statues.
- Sep 15 In a 7-2 unsigned order, the Supreme Court refused to overturn blocks on a new USPS regulation that would mandate election-mail markings, barcode-compatible envelopes, and a federal portal for voter data. The majority said the Justice Department had not shown a likelihood of success on the merits. Justice Brett Kavanaugh concurred, citing insufficient time for states to implement the rule before the midterms. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas authored a dissent, contending that the plaintiffs—mostly Democratic states—lacked standing and that the Postal Service’s statutory powers are broad. Alito emphasized that the timing argument does not justify denying the government’s application and criticized the challengers for delaying the rule’s rollout. He concluded that the “Hail Mary” effort would probably fail and urged the Court to grant the administration’s request. The decision stalls the rule for the upcoming election, though further litigation could allow implementation by 2028.
- Sep 15 Supreme Court rejected the administration’s request to stay the injunction.
- Sep 15 The Supreme Court issued an order denying the administration’s emergency request to change mail‑in ballot handling.
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