Twenty‑four states and Washington, D.C. have sued the United States Postal Service to block new mail‑in ballot rules that could disrupt the upcoming midterm elections.
States Challenge Postal Service Mail‑In Ballot Rules
The legal complaint asks the Supreme Court to stay a federal district court injunction that bars the Postal Service from enforcing requirements such as barcodes, the Election Mail logo, and automation standards on ballot envelopes.
Solicitor General John Sauer filed the appeal on Sunday, saying the injunction could create confusion as states begin mailing ballots, with Alabama set to start on September 9 and other states later that week.
“Once those ballot envelopes enter the mailstream, there is no retrieving them,” Sauer wrote, warning that voluntary compliance leaves states unprepared.
The administration argues the rule is a lawful exercise of authority granted by Congress to regulate mail delivery, not election administration.
Federal judges previously allowed the administration’s plan to proceed, but the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the legality of the restrictions.
Democratic‑led states and voting‑rights groups contend the changes are unconstitutional and that election officials lack sufficient time to modify systems before November.
The rule would require each ballot envelope to carry a unique barcode, meet automation specifications, display the official Election Mail logo, and be reviewed by state officials before mailing, while preserving state authority over voter eligibility and ballot counting.
Election officials say the abrupt deadline threatens accurate vote tabulation, whereas the Postal Service maintains the standards improve handling and protect against fraud.
The filing marks the third request for high‑court intervention in this dispute, underscoring the high stakes as control of Congress hangs in the balance and nearly one‑third of U.S. voters cast ballots by mail.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
