Federal judge lifts all blocks on Trump mail-in ballots executive order

A federal judge lifted a major hurdle to President Donald Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting ahead of the midterms, as Democratic state officials filed a fresh lawsuit to block the order. The lawsuit, filed by about two dozen Democratic-controlled states, claims the order is likely unconstitutional and could lead to chaos.

The order mandates uniform envelope styles for mail ballots and provides the Postal Service with a list of eligible voters. However, election officials warn implementation before the first batch of mail ballots is sent next week will be impossible. The Democratic attorneys general argue the USPS has no authority to decide voter eligibility.

The White House maintains the proposed measures are common-sense steps to protect mail-in ballot security. The high court's ruling came just two days after the Supreme Court's conservative majority found a similar injunction was premature.