Ban on Trump administration's mail-in voting rule extended by judge
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A federal judge extended a prohibition on the Trump administration's new Postal Service rule on mail-in voting through Election Day, after the Supreme Court previously cleared the way for the order.
The big picture: The administration's new mail-voting rules — which critics say could scramble the midterms for states and voters — have gone through a dizzying cycle of red and green lights, and now, the the first state has begun mailing out its midterm ballots.
Driving the news: "The USPS's intention to withhold noncompliant ballots, from the mail stream makes disenfranchisement more than likely, if not probable," U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said in her order Friday.
- She continued, "The Final Rule's new requirements would be an extraordinary amount of work for local officials at any time. But imposing these mandates on election officials at present poses greater difficulties than otherwise because election officials are actively administering elections."
- Talwani continued to block the rule's mandatory design and portal requirements, as she did in her prior temporary order.
Between the lines: USPS' final rule, which published last week, mandates specific ballot-envelope designs and says the Postal Service will generate state-specific mail-in voting participation lists.
Flashback: Talwani oversaw states' original challenge to the new rule, as well as a separate challenge brought by the League of Women Voters and other advocacy groups that resulted in a nationwide injunction.
- Following the Supreme Court's decision last month, Talwani cleared that nationwide block, leaving the path clear for the Trump administration — at least, temporarily.
- One day later, she issued a narrower, 14-day block on the rule.
- It was that newer, narrower, temporary block that she extended Friday.
What we're watching: The Trump administration has already asked the Supreme Court to once again clear the way for the rule in response to Talwani's previous order.
- But it's not clear how soon the high court might act.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional background.
