USPS Pushes Barcoded Ballot Rules Amid Court Battles

USPS released a 95-page draft to curb mail-in ballots, requiring states to share voter records and redesign ballot envelopes with barcodes to track materials; the rules could take effect if a court injunction is lifted, but have been blocked by judges who say the policy oversteps into election administration—sparking claims of federal overreach and potential voter suppression. Supporters say the changes would improve efficiency and compliance with federal law, while critics note that election fraud is exceedingly rare and warn the move could undermine access to ballots ahead of the midterms.