RismadarVoice Reporters
August 28, 2026
Election officials across the United States have warned that a new Postal Service rule on mail-in ballots could disrupt preparations for the 2026 midterm elections.
The rule, finalised by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on August 26 following an executive order by President Donald Trump, requires state and local election officials to submit voters’ names and addresses through a new USPS portal.
It also requires new design features for mail-in ballot envelopes, including tracking barcodes that states must submit to USPS for approval.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the implementation as a major logistical challenge, saying there was little time left before election deadlines.
The US Supreme Court cleared the way for the rule on August 24. However, 24 states and voting rights groups have filed lawsuits challenging the measure and asking courts to prevent its use in the November elections. A joint hearing on the requests is scheduled for September 3.
Election officials said the timing is particularly difficult because ballots for military and overseas voters must be sent at least 45 days before the election. Several states are also due to begin mailing ballots in early September.
Officials warned that jurisdictions unable to meet the new requirements could be prevented from sending ballots by mail, potentially affecting eight states and Washington, D.C., where elections are conducted entirely by mail.
They also questioned whether USPS has enough time to establish its new portal, approve envelope designs and train employees to process the ballots under the new requirements.
The White House has defended the rule, saying it was proposed months ago and that election officials had sufficient time to prepare.
With the midterm elections approaching, states are now awaiting further USPS guidance and the outcome of the legal challenges.
