Judge Blocks Part of Trump’s Mail-In Voting Executive Order

A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from executing a portion of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 for the November 3 midterm elections or any earlier federal election.

The injunction prevents the USPS from denying transmission of mail-in or absentee ballots and halts the implementation of specific regulatory changes outlined in the executive order. However, the ruling allows the federal government to provide nonbinding guidance on ballot-mail envelopes.

The decision is considered a temporary win for mail-ballot advocates, as the legal battles over the executive order continue.

President Trump signed the executive order in March as part of his election integrity measures. It instructed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to compile lists of confirmed U.S. citizens eligible to vote and directed the USPS to set new standards for mail-in voting. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) was told to prioritize investigations of officials issuing federal ballots to ineligible voters.

Recent developments saw the 1st Circuit rejecting the administration’s attempt to enforce other parts of Trump’s order while another legal challenge is underway. This lawsuit was spearheaded by states such as California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, arguing that the President overstepped his authority by imposing new federal voting requirements, a responsibility primarily handled by states.

In June, Judge Talwani had blocked several provisions, arguing they likely violated presidential authority. The appeals court upheld this injunction in July, yet the appeals process continues. The DOJ had indicated it might seek relief from the U.S. Supreme Court should it lose the appeal.

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts lauded the court’s decision, emphasizing its importance in upholding voting rights, particularly for those relying on mail voting.

Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital reporting writer, noted the immediate lack of responses from the White House, DOJ, and USPS regarding the ruling. Talwani is requiring the plaintiff organizations to post a $100 bond by August 18.