politics

Judge temporarily blocks new Postal Service rules for mail voting

Updated on: August 27, 2026 / 10:31 PM EDT / CBS News

Judge temporarily blocks new Postal Service rules for mail voting

TL;DR

  • A federal judge issued a temporary block on new U.S. Postal Service rules for mail voting in the November midterm elections.
  • The judge cited that Congress has not given the Postal Service the authority to set rules for federal elections, arguing states have this constitutional power.
  • The order blocks enforcement for 14 days, stating compliance with the new rules would cause irreparable harm to states with insufficient time and resources.
  • The new rules, issued in response to a presidential executive order, established design requirements for mail ballot envelopes and mandated an online portal for state election officials.
  • A coalition of two dozen states and voting rights groups challenged the regulations, arguing they interfere with states' election administration powers.
  • The Justice Department is expected to appeal the decision.