Democratic led states and voting rights groups are challenging new U.S. Postal Service rules for mail in voting. They want a federal court to stop the rules before the November 2026 congressional elections.
The dispute follows President Donald Trump’s March order targeting mail ballots. USPS finalized the new requirements in August, and the rules have now become part of a wider legal fight.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Democratic led states and voting rights groups filed new legal challenges against USPS mail voting requirements. |
| Where | Federal court in Boston, Massachusetts |
| When | August 2026 |
| Who is involved | Democratic led states, Pennsylvania’s governor, voting rights groups, USPS and the Trump administration |
| Current status | USPS has implemented the new rules, while legal challenges continue. |
| Why it matters | The rules could affect how states process and deliver mail ballots during the 2026 congressional elections. |
States Challenge New USPS Voting Rules
Democratic attorneys general from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a new lawsuit in federal court in Boston. Pennsylvania’s governor also joined the legal challenge.
The lawsuit came after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted an earlier injunction against the Trump administration’s plan. The earlier case faced a timing problem because the states filed it before USPS finalized its rule.
USPS later issued its final requirements. That allowed the states to bring a new legal challenge based on the finalized policy.
Voting rights groups are also fighting the rules in court. They have asked Judge Indira Talwani to temporarily block the policy while the wider case continues.
USPS Introduces New Mail Ballot Requirements
The new USPS requirements include several changes for mail ballots.
States must provide USPS with lists of voters who receive mail ballots. The new rules also require unique barcodes on outbound and return ballot envelopes.
USPS could refuse to deliver ballots that do not meet the required standards. The same could apply to ballots connected to voters who do not appear on the relevant state lists.
During the 2024 election, USPS processed nearly 100 million ballots, according to the states’ court filing. The states also said around 30% of U.S. voters cast ballots by mail.
Trump’s Mail Voting Order Sparks Legal Battle
President Donald Trump signed an order in March that sought changes to the way the federal government handles mail in voting.
The administration’s plan led to legal challenges from Democratic led states and voting rights organizations.
An earlier federal court order temporarily stopped parts of the plan. The U.S. Supreme Court later lifted that injunction because the states had challenged the policy before USPS finalized its rule.
After USPS released its final rule, the states returned to court with a new lawsuit.
Court Fight Over USPS Rules Continues
The legal battle will continue in federal court.
Judge Talwani has scheduled a September 3 hearing to consider whether to issue a preliminary injunction against the USPS rule.
The court’s decision could determine whether the new requirements remain in effect as states prepare for the November congressional elections.
USPS has implemented the requirements, but the courts could still change their status. The September 3 hearing is the next major development to watch as the 2026 elections approach.
