Postal Service Proposes Controversial Mail-In Ballot Rules

The U.S. Postal Service has announced new proposed rules that demand states to provide the agency with lists of voters who receive mail-in ballots, as well as the barcodes associated with them. This move comes in tandem with an executive order from President Donald Trump, which a federal judge did not block this week.

The proposal, detailed in a Federal Register notice, applies solely to federal elections and is open for public comment over the next 30 days. The Postal Service claims that these measures will aid compliance with federal law and support law enforcement.

President Trump, who has often cited alleged voter fraud as the cause of his defeat in the 2020 election, has urged for stricter mail-in ballot regulations ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Meanwhile, the Postal Service faces potential financial difficulties, with the current Postmaster General warning of budget shortfalls.

(With inputs from agencies.)