Trump asks Supreme Court to OK sweeping changes for mail ballots

President Donald Trump's administration has asked the Supreme Court to grant the US Postal Service significant authority to refuse delivery of mail ballots, sparking a high-stakes showdown over voting prior to the November midterm elections. The expedited appeal bypasses lower courts and comes as election officials grapple with implementing the president's sweeping changes.

The administration argued the rules are "only modest envelope-design and addressee-information requirements," emphasizing that they don't control states' election administration or infringe on the Constitution's power to delegate election administration to the states. However, voter advocacy groups and a coalition of Democratic-led states contend the USPS rule is an unconstitutional attempt to disrupt mail voting and disenfranchise millions of Americans.

The rule requires states to submit eligible mail voter lists to the Postal Service, resulting in ballots not sent if a voter's name isn't on the list. The administration maintains the changes are necessary to prevent fraud and protect election integrity, echoing long-held claims of widespread voter fraud. The Justice Department's appeal underscores the administration's stance on the issue, potentially setting the stage for a pivotal Supreme Court decision that could impact the integrity of future elections.