US Postal Service cleared to advance Trump‑backed mail‑in ballot rule

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a temporary stay that allows the United States Postal Service to proceed with a proposed election‑mail rule. The rule, originating from a March executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, would require states to submit voter registration lists and use serialized ballot barcodes before the USPS can mail federal election ballots. The appellate panel found the NAACP‑filed lawsuit premature and judged that the rule does not violate a 2021 settlement obligating the USPS to prioritize election mail through 2028. Supporters, including First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, called the decision a “win for election integrity,” while state officials have warned it may constitute federal overreach. The ruling is especially consequential for California, where the majority of voters rely on mail ballots, and could pressure states that refuse to provide voter rolls. The order does not settle the underlying litigation, and the Postal Service may still need an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission before full implementation.