Donald Trump’s mail‑in voting appeal heads to Supreme Court over Purcell rule

President Donald Trump filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging his executive order that would require states to submit voter eligibility lists to the United States Postal Service, bar mail‑in ballots for anyone not on those lists, and use tracking barcodes on ballot envelopes. The appeal tests the 20‑year‑old “Purcell principle,” a doctrine that warns courts against making last‑minute changes to election rules.

Federal courts in Boston have already blocked the order, and the Supreme Court is expected to rule soon, possibly on a shadow docket. Legal expert Joyce Vance warned that the case is a “key moment,” noting Trump’s fear of losing power ahead of the midterm elections and suggesting the outcome could set a precedent for future election litigation.