WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service has proposed adjustments to its ballot delivery policies for federal elections, requiring states to submit lists of eligible mail-in and absentee voters as part of new standards aimed at enhancing verification under a presidential executive order.
The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on June 2, would establish uniform standards for mailing absentee and mail-in ballots. It includes creation of a Federal Ballot Mail Portal through which states would provide voter information and ballot tracking barcodes, according to the USPS announcement.
Under the changes, USPS would verify that ballots are sent only to voters on the submitted lists and could refuse delivery for non-compliant mailings. The proposal also mandates specific designs for ballot envelopes and tracking requirements.
The adjustments follow President Donald Trump’s March 2026 executive order on election integrity, which directed the agency to implement measures for citizenship verification and mail voting procedures.
USPS officials have stated that states would retain control over determining voter eligibility for mail ballots. “Under this proposal, states would retain full control over who would (or would not) be able to vote by mail-in federal elections within each state,” the proposed rule states.
Critics, including voting rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns that the requirements could create new barriers, delay ballots or lead to disenfranchisement if states do not comply. Some states have indicated they are reviewing the proposal amid potential legal challenges.
The League of Women Voters and other organizations have urged public comments opposing aspects of the rule, citing risks to traditional state and local administration of elections.
The proposal remains open for public comment. Implementation would apply to federal general elections, with states needing to adapt envelope designs and data submission processes.
As of Thursday, details on the final timeline for adoption or full operational rollout remained unclear pending review of comments and any legal proceedings. USPS has emphasized its continued role in delivering election mail while adapting to the new standards.
