Judge extends block on Postal Service's new Trump-backed mail-in ballot requirements

Updated on: September 4, 2026 / 6:37 PM EDT / CBS News

Judge extends block on Postal Service's new Trump-backed mail-in ballot requirements

TL;DR

  • A federal judge has extended a block on new U.S. Postal Service requirements for mail-in ballots.
  • The judge found the new rules likely unconstitutional and could lead to significant voter disenfranchisement.
  • The injunction prevents the Postal Service from enforcing these regulations during the November midterm elections.
  • States and voting rights groups requested the longer relief due to implementation challenges close to the election.
  • The judge questioned whether the Postal Service exceeded its authority by imposing these new requirements on states.
  • Election officials expressed concerns about the logistical and workload challenges of complying with the new mandates.
  • The Justice Department is likely to appeal the judge's decision.
  • The case involves new rules requiring specific design elements, barcodes, and online portal submissions for mail ballots.
  • The Postal Service stated that non-compliant ballot mailings would be returned to election offices.