In loss for Trump, US Supreme Court won't let Postal Service restrict mail ballots

The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to allow the US Postal Service (USPS) to enforce a rule targeting mail-in ballots, a setback for former President Donald Trump's efforts to restrict mail voting ahead of November's midterm elections. The justices denied the Justice Department's request to lift a ruling by US District Judge Indira Talwani that blocked the USPS from enforcing the measure while legal challenges by states and voting-rights groups proceed. The court stated, "The government is unlikely to succeed on the merits of its challenge to the District Court's preliminary injunction." Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented. The rule would have required states to provide lists of mail ballot recipients to the Postal Service and use agency-approved envelopes with unique barcodes, with non-compliant ballots potentially being refused. Critics argued the plan could disrupt ballot delivery and disenfranchise voters, while the administration claimed it would prevent voter fraud.