Judge Halts USPS Mail Ballot Rules for 2 Weeks Ahead of Nov. 3 Midterms
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 27
Judge Halts USPS Mail Ballot Rules for 2 Weeks Ahead of Nov. 3 Midterms
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 27
Summary
A Boston federal judge issued a two-week restraining order blocking USPS from enforcing newly released mail-voting rules that states said would disrupt the 2026 midterms.
Judge Indira Talwani said challengers are likely to succeed because USPS may lack authority for the rule and because compliance before the Nov. 3 election appears impossible for many states.
The plan would require states to submit voter lists to USPS and use voter-specific barcoded ballot envelopes, forcing redesigns and reprints of millions of envelopes on a timeline election officials said vendors cannot meet.
A hearing next Thursday will determine whether the temporary pause becomes a longer preliminary injunction, while the Trump administration weighs whether to appeal immediately.
The ruling opens a new phase in the fight over Trump's March executive order after the Supreme Court this week lifted Talwani's earlier, broader block as premature before USPS finalized its rule.