Judge Halts USPS Mail-Ballot Rule Ahead of 2026 Midterms

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking key parts of a USPS policy for outbound ballots, including envelope-design approvals, voter data uploads, and tracking barcodes, citing practical and financial hurdles before the 2026 midterms. The ruling pits the Trump administration’s USPS changes against Democratic-led states, who argue the rule would standardize mail voting while opponents warn it could disenfranchise voters. The Supreme Court previously stayed Talwani’s earlier injunction, and she is set to hear arguments on a longer injunction as litigation continues; some states have begun compliance, but the outcome remains contested and could affect timing and enforcement of the rule.