USPS Rule Sparks Lawmaker Criticism
Lawmakers have expressed strong disapproval of Postmaster General David Steiner after he revealed a proposed rule change regarding the United States Postal Service (USPS) and mail ballots. This change would prevent USPS from delivering mail ballots unless states provide their voter lists to the Trump administration. During a Senate committee hearing, Steiner confirmed that ballots would not be mailed to states refusing to share their absentee voter lists, stating, “We would tell the state that we need the manifest.”
Democratic Senator Gary Peters from Michigan, serving as the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, criticized the rule. He argued it would “coerce” states into submitting sensitive voter data. Peters said, “This is a back-door way for the federal government to get voting information that states control under the U.S. Constitution.” He insisted that such a decision undermines mail voting, which he finds unacceptable.
Senator Margaret Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, labeled the rule as “blatantly illegal” and warned it could “reduce participation in our democracy.” She urged Steiner to immediately withdraw the proposal. Traditionally, USPS has maintained a neutral stance. However, the new rule stems from a March 31 executive order by President Donald Trump.
Details of Trump’s Executive Order on Mail Voting
The executive order, named “Ensuring Citizen Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” aims to significantly alter election administration and mail voting regulations ahead of the 2026 midterms. The order instructs federal agencies to produce lists of verified citizens eligible for mail voting, mandates USPS only send absentee ballots to voters on these approved lists, and demands ballot-tracking measures, such as unique barcodes on envelopes. States that fail to comply could lose federal funding.
Critics of the directive argue that it overreaches presidential authority as the Constitution assigns primary election administration responsibility to states and grants Congress the power to set national election standards. Several lawsuits are challenging the order in federal courts.
Legal Challenges Against the Executive Order
Several Democratic-led states and voting-rights groups have filed lawsuits contesting the executive order. Recently, a judge in Massachusetts allowed significant challenges to proceed, suggesting courts will consider whether the administration overstepped by involving federal agencies and USPS in election processes. Groups like the League of Women Voters and U.S. Vote Foundation have filed complaints, stating Trump’s order is “plainly unconstitutional” and alleging that it disrupts nonpartisan voting groups’ vital preparations.
Marcia Johnson, from the League of Women Voters, emphasized that mail voting is crucial for millions in the U.S., including seniors, military families, and disabled and working people. She argued that no president should unilaterally change election rules or dictate state election administration.
Trump’s Ongoing Critique of Mail Voting
Former and current President Donald Trump consistently criticizes mail voting, claiming it leads to election fraud. Despite bipartisan election officials finding widespread voter fraud rare, Trump insists on tightening mail voting restrictions, emphasizing this in his election-integrity agenda. Recently, he argued that mail voting is “totally corrupt” during a rally and continues to advocate against widespread mail voting practices.
Looking Ahead
Legal challenges are expected to address the administration’s authority to implement elements of its mail-voting initiative before upcoming federal elections. Voting-rights groups, election officials, and several states seek court intervention to prevent enforcement, while administration officials argue these measures are essential for election security.
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