US federal judge allows challenges to Trump's mail-in voting order

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled that Democratic‑led states and voting‑rights groups may continue their lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order on mail‑in voting. The decision lets the cases proceed before the November midterm elections, noting that postponing review would cause significant hardship for the plaintiffs. While she dismissed challenges concerning post‑midterm elections for now, she left the door open to revive them later.

The order, signed in March 2026, directs the Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration and the Postal Service to create state‑by‑state citizenship lists, require secure ballot envelopes and limit mail‑in voting to voters on those lists. Opponents argue it encroaches on state authority over elections. With roughly 31% of voters using mail ballots in the 2024 election, the litigation could affect ballot handling, deadlines and voter access nationwide as states finalize preparations for the upcoming contests.