Federal Judge Blocks Trump Order Restricting Mail-In Ballots

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked an executive order issued by President Donald Trump seeking to restrict mail-in ballot voting. US District Court Judge Indira Talwani ordered the decision to be paused for two weeks, just as the distribution of mail-in ballots for the upcoming midterm elections is expected to begin. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 3.

The order has been challenged by Democratic-led states and voting rights organisations, which argue that the new rules are unconstitutional. Under the Postal Service’s new procedures, states would be required to provide voter lists, determine ballot recipients and specify envelope details, while also updating election systems and training officials. Opponents argue that authority over election rules rests with the states and, where applicable, Congress, rather than the president or the Postal Service. The Trump administration could appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.