The U.S. Postal Service has published new postal service mail ballot regulations that would tighten requirements for mail-in voting ahead of the November congressional elections. The 95-page rule was issued despite a federal court order blocking the changes from taking effect, with USPS saying it wants the new requirements ready to implement immediately if the injunction is lifted.
New Requirements for Mail Ballots
If the rule takes effect, states would have to provide USPS with lists of voters who received mail-in ballots. States would also be required to use unique barcodes on outbound and return ballot envelopes. USPS said the measures are intended to help verify that ballots reported by states as being sent are actually mailed and to support compliance with federal law.
The Postal Service would not inspect the contents of sealed ballots or collect voters’ political-party information. Instead, it would retain information visible on the outside of ballot envelopes, including addresses and barcode data.
Court Battle Continues
The rule stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March that sought tighter federal requirements for mail-in voting. Federal courts have blocked implementation, with U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruling last week that USPS could not adopt the restrictions. The administration has continued to challenge the legal barriers.
USPS said it will not implement the new requirements unless a court lifts the injunction. The rule is scheduled to be formally published on August 26, but the agency prepared it in advance of the November election.
States and Democrats Object
Several states and Democratic lawmakers have argued that USPS does not have the authority to impose major changes to election procedures and that introducing new requirements so close to the election could create confusion. The legal dispute centers in part on the constitutional authority of states to administer elections.
The issue is likely to remain part of a broader national debate over mail-in voting as the midterm elections approach. For now, the existing court injunctions mean the new USPS requirements are not in effect, but the Postal Service is prepared to move quickly if the courts allow them to proceed.
Source : reuters.com
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