USPS Tightens Mail-In Voting Rules Amid Legal Tangles

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has issued a rule tightening mail-in voting requirements for upcoming elections, despite a court injunction. This rule mandates voter list submissions and barcode usage for ballots. While USPS operates under judicial suspension, its move aligns with a controversial executive order.

The U.S. Postal Service has released a new final rule aimed at tightening mail-in voting regulations ahead of the November congressional elections. This decision comes despite a current court injunction that blocks the changes from coming into effect.

Under the new rule, USPS will require states to present lists of voters who have received mail-in ballots. This move, however, is contingent upon courts lifting the existing legal injunctions. Overseeing these regulations, Postmaster General David Steiner argues the measures are in preparation for potential legal developments that could enable procedural shifts before the elections.

This rule has drawn criticism from legal experts and political figures alike, particularly given its alignment with President Donald Trump's executive order and broader historical allegations regarding mail-in voting integrity. Opponents argue that the USPS lacks the legal authority for such decisions, especially so near an election cycle.