Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Mail Ballot Order Again

A federal judge on Sunday again ordered the U.S. Postal Service not to implement President Donald Trump's executive order limiting mail-in balloting. The decision represents another setback for the administration's efforts to rewrite election rules ahead of the midterm elections.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction similar to one previously handed down in Boston by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani. The order prevents the Postal Service from enforcing a new rule that would require pre-approval of all mail ballot envelope designs and mandate that states upload voter identities to an online portal.

Judge Nichols stated that without an injunction, there is an increased risk that a significant number of otherwise valid absentee or mail-in ballots will ultimately not be counted. He emphasized that the public has a strong interest in ensuring this does not happen.

The new Postal Service regulations stem from an executive order Trump issued earlier this year. Election officials have stated that implementing the changes so close to a general election would be impossible, as mail ballots are already being sent out in at least three states. A whistleblower report to Congress had warned that millions could be disenfranchised if the rule took effect.