USPS Implements Rule Requiring States to Provide Voter Lists for Mail-in Ballots

The United States Postal Service (USPS) published a rule on August 22, 2026, requiring states to provide lists of voters who received mail-in ballots. This rule aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on March 31, which mandates that states using USPS for mail-in ballots notify the agency at least 90 days before an election and submit a list of eligible voters at least 60 days prior. The rule states that individuals must be enrolled with the USPS to receive mail-in ballots, and states must include a uniquely serialized Intelligent Mail barcode on both the outbound and return ballots. However, the rule cannot take effect due to a federal injunction against Trump's executive order, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, which deemed parts of the order unconstitutional. The injunction was renewed in July, preventing USPS from enacting the rule. The Trump administration has argued against the injunction, stating that the plaintiffs cannot demonstrate harm from the proposed law until it is enacted. USPS Postmaster General David Steiner defended the rule, emphasizing the importance of matching ballots sent by states with those actually mailed. The White House has stated that the Trump administration will continue to pursue its agenda regarding election security.