The Supreme Court’s Role in Trump’s Mail-In Voting Order

In Industry, Calif., an election worker processes mail-in ballots as legal battles unfold over mail-in voting for the upcoming midterm elections. The Trump administration has approached the Supreme Court to lift a block on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plan aimed at restricting mail-in voting. Currently, parts of this plan are blocked by a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in Boston.

Current Impact on Mail-In Voting

The USPS plan has not directly changed mail-in voting procedures yet. The court order restrains key parts of the plan, ensuring that mail-in voting remains accessible to eligible voters across various states. USPS is expected to continue delivering mail-in ballots as they have in the past.

Potential Changes and Requirements

Had the USPS plan been implemented, it would have required state election officials to provide lists of mail-in voters’ names and addresses to the Postal Service. Moreover, certain barcodes must be present on mail ballot envelopes according to the revised mailing rules issued by USPS in August. USPS indicated that ballots from officials not meeting these requirements would not be delivered.

Timeline for the Midterms

Mail-in voting for the midterms officially kicks off as North Carolina begins mailing out absentee ballots, marking the start of the voting season. Several other states plan to start sending out their mail-in ballots throughout the month.

Challenges in Implementing the USPS Plan

Election experts suggest that there is insufficient time for USPS to implement its plan without significant disruptions. A whistleblower report highlights inadequate testing of the online portal designed to collect mail-in voters’ information. Additionally, the report raises concerns about a policy verifying ballot envelopes, which might prevent many voters from receiving their ballots in a timely manner or at all.

Legal Disputes Surrounding the USPS Plan

The plan emerged after a March directive from President Trump aimed to prevent illegal voting by non-U.S. citizens. This concern is statistically rare according to numerous studies and audits. While USPS claims control over mail is necessary, opponents argue that USPS lacks the legal authority to regulate mail-in voting procedures.

Supreme Court’s Previous Rulings

The Supreme Court has previously addressed a procedural aspect of one related lawsuit but has not yet ruled on the overall legality of Trump’s order or the USPS plan.

Editor’s Note: USPS is a financial supporter of NPR.