[UPDATE] States ask Supreme Court to keep new USPS ballot requirements blocked
The requirements. Federal ballot envelopes would need the Election Mail logo, unique barcodes and ballot-mail service identifiers, automated-processing compliance and USPS design approval. Officials would submit recipients’ names, addresses and matching barcode data through a federal portal. Federal Register
Rejected batches. USPS would check outgoing ballots before acceptance and could return noncompliant mailings. A whistleblower says one failed barcode scan could reject 10,000 ballots. Washington Examiner
Where it stands. The requirements remain blocked nationwide for elections through Nov. 3 while the administration appeals. California and other states filed their opposition on Sept. 9. This rule is separate from postal changes behind late-postmark rejections.
PREVIOUSLY
- Aug. 24 — The Supreme Court voted 6–3 to lift an injunction against the underlying executive order on prematurity grounds, without deciding its legality.
- Aug. 26 — USPS published its final ballot-mail rule.
- Sept. 4 — Judge Indira Talwani issued a preliminary injunction blocking specified requirements for elections held on or before Nov. 3.
- Sept. 6 — The administration submitted its current emergency application, replacing its Sept. 3 challenge to the earlier temporary restraining order, according to the Supreme Court docket.