Judge extends block on Postal Service's new Trump-backed mail-in ballot requirements

Key Points:

• A federal judge, Indira Talwani, extended her block on the U.S. Postal Service's new mail voting requirements, citing likely unconstitutionality and the risk of voter disenfranchisement ahead of the November midterm elections.
• Talwani ruled that the Postal Service exceeded its authority by imposing new ballot mailing rules without Congressional authorization, interfering with election regulations reserved for Congress and the states.
• The judge highlighted the logistical challenges for state and local election officials to implement the new rules so close to the election, as they are already burdened with other election-related duties.
• The Trump administration plans to appeal and may seek Supreme Court intervention to enforce the mail ballot requirements, which include design mandates and an online portal for voter information.
• Concerns have been raised about the Postal Service's untested ballot mail portal and verification process, with warnings from a whistleblower about potential disruptions to mail ballot delivery; meanwhile, the Postal Service is refining the system and offering voluntary envelope reviews to states.