US Postal Service Implements New Mail-In Voting Rules Linked to Trump's Executive Order
The new regulation, which took effect after the Supreme Court and a district court lifted injunctions, has triggered new legal battles on the grounds that it violates states' election authorities.
The US Postal Service (USPS) announced that new rules, based on Donald Trump's executive order and restricting the mailing of ballots to voters deemed ineligible according to federal records, have taken effect for the November midterm elections.
Scope of the New Rules
The new rules implemented by the US Postal Service aim to increase federal government oversight over elections. In this context, state election officials are required to submit voter registration lists for review.
Under the new regulation, mail-in ballots will not be delivered to registered voters who are determined to be ineligible to vote when compared with Department of Homeland Security and other federal records.
Judicial Process and Rulings
The US Supreme Court cleared the way for the rules to be implemented by lifting a lower court's injunction. Following this decision, District Judge Indira Talwani also ended the nationwide block.
The Supreme Court's procedural ruling was issued to remain in effect until the postal service begins implementing the rule, without addressing the constitutionality of the regulation.
States' Reaction and New Lawsuit
More than two dozen states and the District of Columbia have filed a new lawsuit to block the executive order restricting mail-in voting. The states argue that this policy is an attempt to rewrite federal election laws and usurp states' powers.
The US Constitution grants control over elections to the states and Congress, not to the executive branch. This situation fuels debates that the new rules exceed constitutional boundaries.