US Supreme Court blocks President Trump's mail-in ballot curbs ahead of midterm polls, upholds injunction

The US Supreme Court has prevented President Trump's new mail-in ballot restrictions from taking effect ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The USPS had implemented strict rules requiring states to provide voter lists and enforce specific envelope designs for mail ballots, which were challenged by state officials and voting rights organizations.

The court ruled 7-2 in favor of upholding a preliminary injunction, blocking the enforcement of these rules through the November midterm elections. The case began in March 2026 after Trump issued an executive order aiming to ensure election integrity by mandating uniform ballot and envelope requirements for federal elections. Two lawsuits were filed, one by states and the other by voting rights groups, arguing that the president does not have unilateral authority to alter voting methods.

A federal district court judge in Boston sided with the plaintiffs, issuing injunctions against the federal government, which led the USPS to delay implementing the rules. However, on September 14, the Supreme Court upheld the injunction, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting.