Mail voting: USPS halts development of disputed system

USPS has stopped developing the computer system linked to mail-voting restrictions, director David Steiner told Associated Press on September 17. [5]

The U.S. Supreme Court on September 14 declined to suspend an injunction preventing new restrictions on the mailing of election ballots. The Postal Service’s emergency application was denied. The block therefore remains while litigation continues; this is not a final judgment on every underlying argument. [1]

Litigation continues

Roll Call notes that the nationwide injunction came from federal Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts. The dispute concerns authority over election administration and whether rules can be changed as voting approaches. [2]

The disputed requirements included identifying features on envelopes, including a unique barcode, and the submission of voter information to the Postal Service. Fox News describes those obligations and the arguments for restoring them. The Court’s refusal prevents their immediate reinstatement. [3]

Different legal approaches

In a concurring opinion, Brett Kavanaugh separates the Postal Service’s legal authority from the implementation timetable. Roll Call highlights his objection to changes leaving local officials too little preparation time for the 2026 elections. [2]

Samuel Alito, joined by Clarence Thomas, would have granted the application. Fox News notes their arguments on standing and the Postal Service’s authority. Those dissents are not the Court’s decision. The new requirements remain blocked while litigation continues. [3]