Trump Administration Appeals USPS Mail Ballot Rule to Supreme Court

The Trump administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow the U.S. Postal Service to implement new rules that would restrict the delivery of mail-in ballots, setting up a high-stakes legal battle less than two months before the November midterm elections. The emergency appeal seeks to lift a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in Boston that has blocked key parts of the plan from taking effect. The administration's request came hours after U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani expressed concern during a hearing that the new requirements could cause significant chaos and potential disenfranchisement for voters. The Postal Service's rule, published in August, would require states to provide lists of mail ballot recipients to the agency and use specially designed envelopes with unique barcodes. The agency could then refuse to deliver ballots that do not comply with these new standards. The rule stems from an executive order President Donald Trump signed in March, which directed federal agencies to take steps to enhance election integrity. The administration has argued the changes are modest updates to mail standards necessary for security.