A proposed rule from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) would stop delivering mail ballots for states that do not provide the federal government with voter lists. This proposal was put forth in June 2026.
The USPS has only proposed this rule change, and it has not yet been finalized or implemented. The proposal is also facing legal challenges, which could alter, delay, or prevent its eventual enactment.
This proposed rule stems from a March 2026 executive order, though there are some differences in the details between the order and the USPS proposal.
The proposed rule, published on June 2, 2026, aims to standardize mail ballot envelopes, including the addition of an official election mail logo, a unique barcode, and automation compatibility.
A key component of the proposal is the establishment of a “Mail-In and Absentee Participation List.” Under this plan, states would be required to furnish the USPS with a list of individuals to whom they are sending mail ballots, along with the unique barcode assigned to each voter. States would retain control over who is eligible to vote by mail, managing the enrollment process for inclusion on these lists. This information would be submitted through a “Federal Ballot Mail Portal.” The USPS would not verify the eligibility of individuals on these lists, but it would implement a verification procedure to ensure state compliance with the proposed standards before accepting outbound ballot mailpieces and return ballots.
The March 2026 executive order directed the USPS to propose a rule requiring states to provide the Postal Service with a list of individuals receiving mail-in or absentee ballots. While the proposed rule flips this direction, ordering states to provide lists to the USPS, the executive order also directed the Department of Homeland Security to create a “State Citizenship List.” The order indicated coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and the USPS on implementation, though the specifics remain unclear. The proposed USPS rule does not mention coordination with other federal agencies but does note that law enforcement could use the provided lists to compare mailed and received ballots to identify potential issues.
Currently, there are legal challenges to both the proposed rule and the executive order that initiated it. On June 3, 2026, legal action was taken to challenge the proposed USPS rule, arguing it violates a previous settlement agreement to prioritize election mail delivery. This motion seeks to prevent the USPS from proceeding with the proposal, asserting it could disenfranchise voters. Additionally, in April 2026, 23 state attorneys general and one governor filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the executive order, contending it infringes on states’ constitutional authority to manage elections.
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