Trump's mail-in voting push stalls as courts block order and states proceed
A court has halted Donald Trump's executive order to stop USPS ballot delivery, while states continue mailing mail-in ballots and critics warn the effort still threatens democratic participation.
An executive order signed by Donald Trump instructing the United States Postal Service to cease ballot delivery in states that do not provide federal voter lists is currently tied up in court, limiting his ability to reshape mail-in voting. Both Wisconsin and North Carolina have started mailing ballots despite the order, and Don Millis, chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, said local clerks cannot feasibly follow the directive, noting it may hurt Republican turnout more than Democratic.
The administration is urging the Supreme Court to intervene, yet nine additional states are slated to send ballots within weeks, which would make any last-minute ruling highly disruptive. Democratic-leaning analysts warn the campaign could still discourage voters and provide a pretext for contesting results. Voters in Arizona’s Pima County and Washington’s Clark County report confusion and anxiety over possible rule changes, with election officials unable to reassure them. The situation underscores ongoing tensions over election administration ahead of the upcoming vote.
Why it matters
The legal fight over mail-in ballots could shape voter access and confidence in upcoming elections.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 1 Lone Star Liberty PAC committed $15 million to a new television advertising campaign for Paxton.
- Sep 2 Trump told reporters the helipad, intended for Marine One, is now operational after critics warned that landing on the lawn was unsafe. The announcement coincides with the restart of construction on the White House Ballroom, a project the president has championed despite legal challenges. The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for continued building, and Trump says private funds are covering the work. He also highlighted other capital-area renovations, including work near the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool.
- Sep 2 The Cook Political Report moved Texas and Iowa into toss‑up status.
- Sep 2 A poll shows Talarico at 44.0% and Paxton at 43.4% among likely voters.
- Sep 3 USDA announced plans to fund small and midsize meat‑packing operations.
- Sep 3 The Justice Department petitioned the Supreme Court to suspend a district judge’s order that halted a new USPS regulation tightening mail-in ballot requirements.
- Sep 3 Sand publicly opposed Harris’s potential 2028 presidential run.
- Sep 4 The Supreme Court ruled that the lawsuit challenging the ballroom lacks standing, allowing construction to continue.
- Sep 4 The administration filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court.
- 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 Trump ordered a Dallas midterm convention just before Thanksgiving, triggering a ticket‑sale scramble and prompting several GOP officials to boycott the event.
- Sep 6 Administration filed a third petition to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the injunction.
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