US Postal Service issues new rule for mail ballots, but its impact on the midterms is uncertain

The U.S. Postal Service has introduced new regulations for mail ballots less than two weeks before several states commence sending them. However, the regulation will only become effective if the Supreme Court approves President Donald Trump's order restricting mail voting. The final rule was issued recently, but it may end up as a footnote in the ongoing legal dispute against Trump's order, which has already been temporarily blocked by a federal judge in Boston ahead of the November elections.

The administration has petitioned the high court to lift that injunction. However, another ruling from the same judge could prevent the Postal Service from implementing any procedural changes before the midterms, and it would likely need to be overturned as well. Time is running out for the administration to make any changes in the nation's voting procedures.