Whistleblower warns Postal Service's new mail ballot system has "potentially catastrophic problems"

Updated on: September 1, 2026 / 10:19 AM EDT / CBS News

Whistleblower warns Postal Service's new mail ballot system has "potentially catastrophic problems"

TL;DR

  • A whistleblower alleges the U.S. Postal Service's new mail ballot system has 'potentially catastrophic problems' and risks disenfranchising millions of Americans.
  • The whistleblower claims the USPS is flouting court rulings by implementing an executive order from President Trump to tighten mail voting rules.
  • The new system involves an untested online portal for voter and ballot information and a strict barcode verification process for mail ballots.
  • If even one barcode in a batch of ballots fails to scan properly, the entire batch could be rejected and returned, causing significant delays.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal is questioning Postmaster General David Steiner about the system and has urged the Postal Service to withdraw its new plans.