The Trump administration has asked the First Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the temporary block on key provisions of the USPS final rule on mail ballots.
The Trump administration is asking a federal appeals court to revive new USPS rules for mailed ballots after a judge blocked them, warning the requirements could disrupt state election preparations ahead of November. buff.ly/gkgDfMP
The request was filed on August 31, 2026, just hours after District Judge Indira Talwani declined to lift her own 14-day injunction.
The Department of Justice argues that the judge's order, despite being labeled a temporary restraining order, is in effect a preliminary injunction and is subject to immediate appeal.
The USPS rule introduces mandatory envelope standards for ballots, portal registration requirements, and data verification. Judge Talwani previously blocked its enforcement for elections before November 3, ruling that the Postal Service exceeded its authority.
In its appeal, the DOJ emphasizes that the rule merely regulates mail and does not interfere with voter qualification, ballot content, or vote counting.
The administration warns that without a stay of the block, states will begin mailing ballots in the coming days — North Carolina starting September 4, Alabama starting September 9.
If the appeals court does not intervene quickly, the case may be decided too late and affect the ballot mailing process in several states.
How exactly will the court weigh the parties' arguments about the balance of power between the federal agency and the states?
While the parties await the First Circuit's decision, the temporary injunction remains in effect.
