A U.S. federal appeals court has allowed the United States Postal Service (USPS) to continue developing a Trump-backed proposal that could significantly change the handling of mail-in ballots during federal elections.
Eko Hot News reports that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit temporarily paused an earlier nationwide injunction that had prevented the Postal Service from moving forward with the proposed rule.
The decision was issued by a three-judge panel, which granted the Postal Service’s request to suspend a ruling made on July 1 by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan.
Judge Sullivan had concluded that the proposed policy appeared to conflict with a 2021 settlement agreement between the USPS and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The settlement requires the Postal Service to take what it describes as “extraordinary measures” to ensure the timely delivery of election-related mail through 2028.
However, the appeals court found that the Postal Service is likely to succeed in its appeal because the proposed rule has not yet been finalized.
The judges also stated that the legal challenge may have been brought too early since the proposal remains under review and has not taken legal effect.
According to the court, allowing the injunction to remain in place could prevent the Postal Service from completing its rulemaking process before the upcoming November election.
The proposal originated from President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” signed on March 31.
The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security, working alongside the Social Security Administration, to develop state-by-state lists of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote.
Under the proposed USPS regulation, election officials would upload voter information through a federal verification portal.
Each mail-in or absentee ballot envelope would also carry a unique barcode linked to an individual voter to improve tracking and verification.
Postal Service officials have indicated that participation by state election authorities would play an important role in implementing the proposal if it becomes final.
Postmaster General David Steiner previously told members of the U.S. Senate that the agency would not transport mail ballots for states that choose not to provide voter registration information under the proposed system.
Friday’s appellate ruling does not determine whether the policy will ultimately be implemented. Instead, it allows the regulatory process to continue while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Another federal court ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts still blocks enforcement of the underlying executive order in 24 jurisdictions, including several states that have challenged the policy.
The Trump administration has appealed that separate decision before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
The NAACP has maintained its opposition to the proposal, arguing that access to voting should not depend on additional administrative requirements that could affect eligible voters.
Legal experts note that the appeals court ruling represents only one stage of a broader legal process that could continue through multiple levels of the federal judiciary.
Before any nationwide implementation can occur, the Postal Service must complete its formal rulemaking procedures, including public review requirements and any necessary oversight by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Observers say the case could have significant implications for future election administration, particularly regarding mail-in voting procedures and voter verification systems.
As the legal process continues, election officials, policymakers and advocacy groups are expected to closely monitor developments ahead of future federal elections. The final outcome will depend on ongoing court proceedings, regulatory reviews and any additional decisions affecting the proposed USPS rule.
