Democrats and Voting Rights Groups Oppose USPS Proposed Rule

The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a new rule suggesting it could refuse to deliver mail ballots in states that fail to provide voter rolls to the federal government. This rule, suggested last week, seems to give the agency substantial power over the mail voting system. It urges states to create lists of mail voters that Postal Service employees would use to verify ballot eligibility. If states do not comply, the Postal Service may refuse to send their mail ballots.

Democrats and voting-rights organizations argue the rule is a clear sign of an attempt by the Trump administration to interfere unconstitutionally in state-run elections. Withholding mail services in states where mail voting is common could impact millions who rely on this method, primarily affecting Democrat voters. This is because more Republicans have been persuaded by Trump’s unfounded assertions that mail voting lacks reliability and invites fraud.

“Withholding mail services could impact millions, primarily Democratic voters,” they argue.

The proposed rule’s wording is vague, raising questions about the practicalities of screening mail ballots for eligibility. Such screening would involve significant federal involvement in election administration, which could be unprecedented and possibly unconstitutional.

In Boston, a group of Democratic state attorneys general, along with voting rights groups, recently presented their case before a federal judge. They asserted that the rule intrudes on voting processes, which the Constitution designates as state responsibilities. They also noted the logistical and financial burdens of creating new voter lists and redesigning mail ballots with less than 150 days to the 2026 general election.

Michael Cohen, California’s deputy attorney general, stated in federal court, “It’s difficult to overstate the disruption this will cause to election administration.”