Federal judge blocks Trump administration mail-in voting restrictions

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from enforcing new mail-in voting restrictions. The ruling favors voting rights organizations and more than two dozen Democratic-led states ahead of the November midterm elections.

The restrictions would have authorized the U.S. Postal Service to screen outbound mail-in ballots for envelope compliance and verify recipients against state participation lists. Judge Talwani ruled that implementing these changes is “practically impossible” given the timeframe, noting that states lack the time and funds to redesign ballots, update management systems, and train officials before mail ballots are scheduled to be sent out.

Talwani stated that failure to comply with the rule could force states to violate constitutional and state obligations to administer elections. The administration is expected to appeal the decision.