States and Governor Challenge USPS Rule on Mail-In Ballots in Federal Elections
A group of 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have jointly filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new U.S. Postal Service rule that impacts the delivery and handling of mail-in ballots. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts following the formal publication of the rule, "Ballot Mail for Federal Elections," in the Federal Register on August 26, 2026. The rule sets federal requirements for state ballot mail, such as enrolling eligible mail-in voters in a centralized USPS database, pre-approving ballot envelope designs, and implementing trackable barcode mandates. Ballots that do not meet these specifications will not be delivered to voters.
This legal action comes shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed an earlier injunction against President Donald Trump's executive order, ruling that the states' previous challenge was premature before the Postal Service issued a final regulation. The states argue that the new regulation grants the USPS authority to regulate mail voting in federal elections, which they believe violates the U.S. Constitution's Elections and Electors Clauses. They also claim that the rule exceeds the Postal Service's statutory authority, violates the universal mail service mandate, bypasses required procedural reviews, and conflicts with the Voting Rights Act and the Privacy Act.
The plaintiffs assert that the last-minute rule poses immediate operational disruptions and risks voter disenfranchisement ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. They argue that local election offices will face financial burdens to comply with the new requirements on tight timelines. The lawsuit names the United States Postal Service, Postmaster General David Steiner, Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino, and members of the USPS Board of Governors as defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the rule's implementation and declare it unlawful and void.
In conclusion, the coalition of states and Governor Shapiro are challenging a new USPS rule that impacts mail-in ballots for federal elections. They argue that the rule exceeds the Postal Service's authority, violates constitutional clauses, and poses immediate challenges for election administration. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the rule from taking effect and declare it unlawful.