USPS Plans to Withhold Mail Ballots Unless States Share Voter Data
The U.S. Postal Service, under Postmaster General David Steiner, plans to implement a rule requiring states to provide the Trump administration with lists of mail-in ballot requesters, per a March 2026 executive order. If states refuse, USPS will not deliver those ballots. Democratic senators and postal workers oppose it as illegal and disenfranchising. Multiple lawsuits have been filed; a Massachusetts judge allowed a case to proceed. Steiner says USPS will comply with court rulings.
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Federal Judge Blocks USPS Restrictions on Mail-In Ballot Delivery
A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Postal Service's proposed changes to its mail-in ballot delivery procedures, marking another setback for President Trump's efforts to restrict mail-in voting, which he has long criticized. Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed last week that USPS would refuse to deliver mail-in ballots in states that do not comply with certain demands, though the full details of those demands are not provided in the excerpt. The ruling halts the implementation of these restrictions, ensuring continued delivery of mail-in ballots for upcoming elections. The decision underscores ongoing legal and political battles over voting access and postal service operations in the United States.
Just In NewsUSPS Faces Backlash Over Proposed Voter Data Rule for Mail Ballot Delivery
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is facing backlash over a proposed rule that would condition mail ballot delivery on states turning over lists of mail voters. Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed at a Senate hearing that if states refuse to provide absentee voter lists, the USPS will not deliver ballots. Democrats warn the rule, linked to President Trump's March executive order restricting mail voting, will disenfranchise voters and is a backdoor attempt to influence the 2026 election. Every Senate Democrat signed a letter urging Steiner to withdraw the rule, citing legal and operational concerns. Steiner defended the rule as non-political but acknowledged the agency would comply with any court order blocking it. The rule is unprecedented and raises questions about agency authority and feasibility ahead of a high-volume election cycle.
Government Executive - All ContentUSPS faces backlash over proposed rule linking mail ballot delivery to state voter lists
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is under fire for a proposed regulation that would require states to submit lists of anticipated mail voters to the agency as a condition for mail ballot delivery. Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed at a Senate hearing that the USPS would refuse to deliver ballots in non-compliant states. Democrats accuse the agency of enabling President Trump's efforts to restrict mail voting and disenfranchise voters, pointing to a related executive order signed in March. The rule would especially impact eight states and D.C. that conduct all-mail elections. Senate Democrats have urged Steiner to withdraw the rule, warning of operational burdens and legal problems. Republicans defended the rule as necessary for election integrity. Steiner said the USPS would comply with any court order blocking the rule.
Government Executive - All ContentUSPS faces backlash over proposed rule tying mail ballot delivery to state voter list submission
The U.S. Postal Service is facing severe backlash from Democrats after Postmaster General David Steiner testified before a Senate committee that the agency will not deliver mail ballots in states refusing to turn over absentee voter lists under a proposed rule. The rule, prompted by an executive order from President Donald Trump, requires all states to submit names of anticipated mail voters as a condition of ballot delivery. Eight states and D.C. that conduct universal mail voting would have to provide data on every voter. Democrats accuse the USPS of overstepping its authority and disenfranchising voters, while GOP senators support the rule as an election integrity measure. Steiner said the agency would comply with any court order blocking the rule. Legal challenges are ongoing, but no judge has yet halted the regulation.
Government Executive - All ContentU.S. Postal Service Plans to Withhold Ballots if States Refuse to Share Voter Lists
In response to a March 2026 executive order by President Donald Trump, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is planning to implement a new rule requiring states to provide the Trump administration with lists of absentee and mail-in ballot requesters. Postmaster General David Steiner admitted in a Senate hearing that if states refuse to comply, USPS would not deliver their mail-in ballots. Democratic Senators Gary Peters and Margaret Hassan criticized the rule as a back-door federal power grab and 'blatantly illegal,' respectively. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, and a Massachusetts judge allowed a case to proceed, citing potential harm to states' constitutional election authority. Steiner said USPS will abide by court rulings. The rule is seen as part of ongoing Republican efforts to restrict mail-in voting.
The New RepublicUSPS Plans to Stop Mail Ballots for States Refusing Voter Data to Trump Administration
The U.S. Postal Service plans to implement a new rule, responding to a March 2026 executive order by President Trump, requiring states to provide the Trump administration with lists of voters requesting absentee or mail-in ballots. Postmaster General David Steiner admitted in a Senate hearing that if states refuse, the USPS will not deliver their ballots. Democratic Senators Gary Peters and Margaret Hassan criticized the rule as unconstitutional coercion and blatantly illegal. Postal workers have also opposed the rule. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, and a Massachusetts judge ruled the plan could harm states' constitutional rights to run elections. Steiner said USPS will follow court rulings. The article frames the move as a continuation of election interference efforts.
The New RepublicUS Postal Service to Withhold Ballots Unless States Share Voter Data with Trump Administration
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS), under Postmaster General David Steiner, is implementing a new rule in response to a March executive order by President Donald Trump. The rule requires states to provide the Trump administration with lists of voters requesting absentee or mail-in ballots. If states refuse, USPS will not deliver ballots to those voters. The admission came during a Senate hearing where Democratic Senator Gary Peters questioned Steiner. Senator Margaret Hassan labeled the rule 'blatantly illegal,' and postal workers have also opposed it. Multiple lawsuits have been filed; a Massachusetts federal judge allowed one to proceed, stating the rule could infringe on states' constitutional rights to run elections. Steiner said USPS would comply with court rulings. Critics view this as a back-door attempt by the federal government to control voting information.
The New Republic