# US mail-in voting regulatory and legal disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-mail-in-voting-regulatory-and-legal-disputes
> Updated: 2026-09-09T09:54:46.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 2.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) finalized a 95-page rule following a March 31 executive order by President Donald Trump. The regulation requires states to provide voter names and addresses to a federal portal and use uniquely serialized Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) on both outbound and return ballot envelopes. The USPS stated these measures aim to improve transparency and efficiency, though the agency noted it could refuse to deliver ballots to non-compliant states.

These requirements faced legal opposition, with a federal judge in Massachusetts ruling parts of the executive order unconstitutional, citing that election administration is a power reserved for states and Congress. A federal judge later issued a preliminary injunction preventing the USPS from enacting new rules that would require states to provide specific voter lists and use agency-approved envelopes.

A recent audit from the USPS Office of Inspector General found that some facilities failed to properly handle ballots during primary elections due to inadequate staff training and tracking deficiencies. While the audit noted that 99% of ballots reached officials on time, it highlighted risks regarding incorrect postmarks and delays.

Election officials continue to manage local uncertainty. In King County, officials emphasized that voters can use official drop boxes or in-person methods if mail disruptions occur. In Humboldt County, the Registrar of Voters has urged residents to vote early to mitigate potential delivery delays. In Montana, administrators have proceeded with printing absentee ballot envelopes without specific barcodes to avoid confusion stemming from proposed federal mail-screening plans.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: U.S. election officials address mail-in ballot concerns

U.S. election officials are advising voters on alternatives to mail-in ballots amid USPS handling audits and federal court challenges regarding new mail-voting regulations and screening requirements.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-election-officials-navigate-mail-in-voting-legal-challenges

### 2026-08-22: USPS finalizes new mail-in ballot requirements for states

The USPS has finalized a 95-page rule requiring states to provide voter lists and specific barcode standards for mail-in ballots, though federal court injunctions currently block its implementation.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usps-finalizes-new-mail-in-voting-rules-despite-court-injunctions

---
Cite as: US mail-in voting regulatory and legal disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-mail-in-voting-regulatory-and-legal-disputes