A federal judge in Boston blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to limit mail voting in the upcoming midterm elections. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued a two-week injunction Thursday, halting the directive as states scramble to adjust systems before early ballots are sent out.
The legal battle centers on a new Postal Service rule requiring states to provide voter lists and standardized envelopes for mail ballots. Nearly one-third of Americans vote by mail, and election officials warn they lack the time and funds to redesign ballots and update systems to meet the new requirements. The administration issued the rule after an earlier executive order was blocked, reigniting the dispute over who controls election procedures.
Democrats and voting rights groups argue the Postal Service overstepped its authority, as the Constitution reserves election rules for states and Congress. The case is set for a hearing on Sept. 3 and could quickly escalate to the Supreme Court, which recently allowed the administration to proceed with the order. The White House has not commented on the ruling.
