An election worker processes mail-in ballots in June in Industry, Calif. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to lift a restriction on the U.S. Postal Service’s plan related to mail-in voting for the midterm election. Currently, parts of this plan are suspended due to a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Boston.
As legal discussions regarding Trump’s mail-in voting directive continue, here are some important aspects to consider regarding mail voting for the midterms:
Current Impact on Mail-in Voting
Has the USPS plan directly changed mail-in voting for the midterms? No, significant elements of the plan remain blocked by a court order. Eligible voters in their states still have access to mail-in voting, with the USPS expected to deliver ballots as usual.
Potential Changes to Mail-in Voting
How might the USPS plan alter mail voting? State election officials would need to provide USPS with lists of mail-in voters’ names and addresses, and ensure certain barcodes are on mail ballot envelopes. As per the revised rule issued by the Postal Service in August, USPS would not deliver ballots from election officials failing to meet these criteria.
Start of Mail-in Voting
When does mail-in voting commence for the midterms? North Carolina starts mailing absentee ballots on Friday, signaling the official start of voting for these midterms. Several other states plan to begin dispatching mail-in ballots as the month progresses.
Timing Concerns for the USPS Plan Implementation
Is the USPS plan feasible for the midterms? Many election experts caution it’s too late for USPS to implement the plan without significant disruptions. A whistleblower report raises concerns about the USPS’s testing of their online portal system for collecting mail-in voter information. Furthermore, the report suggests the agency’s policy to verify ballot envelopes could prevent timely ballot delivery to many voters.
Legal Arguments Surrounding the USPS Plan
What are the legal arguments related to the USPS plan? The USPS developed this plan following President Trump’s March executive order aimed at preventing illegal voting by non-U.S. citizens. Despite claims that the issue is rare, USPS insists the revised rule aims to regulate mail usage. Opponents argue the USPS plan lacks legality as the agency doesn’t have authority over mail voting.
Supreme Court’s Past Involvement
Has the Supreme Court previously ruled on Trump’s mail-in voting order? Yes, the Supreme Court made a procedural decision on one of the lawsuits in August. However, the legality of the order and the USPS plan remain unaddressed by the justices.
Editor’s note: USPS is a financial supporter of NPR.
Edited by Megan Pratz