Federal Judge Allows Trump Mail Voting Rule Before Midterms

A federal judge lifted the final injunction blocking President Donald Trump's mail-voting restrictions, clearing the way for the U.S. Postal Service to impose new ballot regulations ahead of the November midterm elections, according to court rulings on August 26, 2026.

The Postal Service rule mandates states provide mail-voter lists and use uniquely barcoded ballot envelopes reviewed by federal authorities. About 30% of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail in 2024, as reported by states challenging the rule.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani vacated a nationwide preliminary injunction she issued earlier, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring reconsideration. This ruling now allows USPS to enforce the finalized rule despite new legal challenges from 23 states, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania's governor.

The Postal Service rule requires election officials to submit each mail voter's information through a new federal portal alongside unique barcodes for ballot envelopes. USPS employees must scan and verify these barcodes before accepting mailings, returning any noncompliant ballots to election officials for correction.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit arguing the rule could prevent eligible voters from receiving absentee ballots on time, especially since county boards must begin mailing ballots by September 4. Jackson stated the rule could cause administrative errors and interfere with state election authority.

Jackson said, "The new rule threatens North Carolinians’ ability to vote by mail and creates a new process shortly before an election."

The coalition of states suing the Postal Service contends the rule exceeds USPS authority, violates voting rights laws, and infringes on states' constitutional election powers. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey criticized the rule as election interference.

Frey said, "USPS and the president are inflicting violence on free and fair elections through this unlawful attempt to control voting by mail."

California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose state is among the plaintiffs, emphasized state control over elections, stating on social media, "Trump does not run elections. States do."

The Postal Service defends the rule as enhancing ballot tracking, aiding law enforcement, and reducing fraud risks while leaving voter eligibility decisions to states. However, the new requirements pose logistical challenges since many states have already prepared ballots and envelopes for the upcoming election.

The Supreme Court's recent decision to lift previous injunctions was procedural, not a ruling on the rule’s legality, allowing ongoing lawsuits to seek new court orders against the policy.