Supreme Court Allows Mail Ballots to Be Sent as Normal for Midterm Elections

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday, September 15, 2026, to reject President Donald Trump's proposal that would have required the U.S. Postal Service to determine eligibility for mail ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. This decision alleviates concerns for election officials who can now distribute mail ballots without adhering to last-minute Postal Service regulations. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber stated that the decision allows elections to proceed fairly and openly. The case arose from an executive order signed by Trump in March, which aimed to standardize mail ballot envelopes and required states to submit voter eligibility lists to a new online portal. A whistleblower report indicated that these requirements could prevent millions of ballots from being sent, potentially disenfranchising voters. Election officials expressed concern that implementing such changes close to the election would be chaotic. With mail voting already underway in some states, officials reassured voters that elections would proceed as usual. Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson emphasized that the 2026 election would function normally. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read called the decision a victory for voters and the rule of law. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar expressed relief and excitement, noting that mail voting is critical in his state. The Supreme Court's ruling came after lower courts had blocked the Trump administration's rules, with the majority of justices indicating that the administration was unlikely to succeed in defending its plan. Voting rights experts viewed the court's language as a positive sign for the future of election integrity.