USPS Issues Final Rule to Tighten Mail‑In Voting, Pending Court Approval
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service has released a final rule that would significantly tighten requirements for mail‑in voting ahead of the November congressional elections, even though a federal court order currently prevents the changes from being implemented. The move signals USPS’s intent to be ready to enforce the new standards immediately if the court lifts its injunction.
The 95‑page rule outlines new obligations for states that rely on mail‑in ballots. USPS said it published the rule now so it could take effect without delay if the legal barrier is removed. Under the proposed system, the Postal Service would decline to deliver ballots from states that fail to meet the new requirements, a step that could have major implications for election administration nationwide.
A central provision of the rule requires states to provide USPS with detailed lists of voters who receive mailed ballots. This information would be used to match ballots sent by election officials with the mail pieces processed by the Postal Service. Last week, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston blocked USPS from adopting the rule, which stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March.
Trump has long argued that mail‑in voting needs stricter oversight and has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that widespread fraud affected the 2020 election. His executive order directed USPS to establish new verification procedures and data‑tracking requirements for mailed ballots in federal elections.
Although the rule is scheduled for formal publication on August 26, USPS says it will not take any steps to implement it unless the injunction is lifted. The agency has referred questions about the policy to the White House, emphasizing that it is preparing for all possible outcomes as the legal dispute continues.
If the rule eventually takes effect, USPS would not collect or record party affiliation, inspect ballot contents, or open sealed mail. Postal workers are not authorized to open mail protected against inspection. Instead, the agency would rely on exterior envelope data — including addresses, barcodes, and other identifying marks — to verify that ballots match the information provided by state election officials.
Postmaster General David Steiner defended the plan earlier this year, saying the goal is to ensure that ballots states intend to send out correspond accurately to what is actually mailed. He described the system as a way to improve accountability and strengthen compliance with federal election laws.
Many states and Democratic lawmakers argue that USPS lacks the authority to impose such requirements and that it is too close to the election to introduce sweeping changes. They warn that the rule could disrupt established election procedures and create confusion for both voters and election administrators.
The rule would require states to supply USPS with names and barcodes associated with all mail‑in ballots for federal elections. It also mandates the use of unique barcodes on both outbound ballot envelopes and the envelopes used to return completed ballots. USPS has said the data would help verify adherence to federal law and support law‑enforcement efforts related to election security.
As the legal battle continues, election officials across the country are watching closely. Whether the rule ultimately takes effect may depend on upcoming court decisions, which will determine how — and whether — the Postal Service can enforce these new standards during a high‑stakes election season.
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