The Donald Trump administration is pushing a new regulation that could transform mail-in voting in the United States. The proposal calls for the Postal Service (USPS) to withhold the delivery of ballots to states that do not provide detailed voter lists. The measure stems from an executive order signed in March 2026. Its objective, according to the White House, is to strengthen election security. However, it has generated strong political and legal reaction in various states. The change would imply an unprecedented role for the federal government in organizing elections. Traditionally, this function has been in the hands of the states, which raises the level of controversy.
What does Trump’s proposal on ballots consist of?
The regulation requires states to provide voter lists that will receive mail ballots. This information would be sent to the Postal Service as a condition for distributing ballots. If a state does not comply with this requirement, USPS could refuse to send election materials. This could directly affect millions of voters who depend on mail-in voting. Additionally, the proposal includes new technical standards. Among them, the use of barcodes and tracking systems for mailed ballots.
Why does it generate concern among state authorities?
A total of 23 Democrat-led states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against the measure. They argue that it violates state autonomy in electoral matters. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows warned that the regulation could effectively eliminate mail-in voting. According to her, many states would not accept delivering sensitive data to the federal government. Other officials contend that the measure puts voting rights at risk. They fear that delays or blocks in ballot delivery could affect voter turnout.
What does the Trump administration say about the measure?
From the White House, the initiative has been defended as part of a strategy to ensure secure elections. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated that the plan will be implemented legally. The government insists that the objective is to prevent electoral fraud. Trump has maintained on several occasions that mail-in voting can be misused, although there is no widespread evidence. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security is working on creating citizenship lists. These databases would seek to verify who is eligible to vote.
What role would the Postal Service have in elections?
USPS would transition from being a logistics player to one with broader functions. It would not only deliver ballots but would also have influence over who receives them. Experts consider this change to be significant. Anton Hajjar, former USPS executive, noted that the agency would effectively be regulating elections. There are also doubts about the operational capacity of the Postal Service. The institution faces financial problems and may not be prepared to assume new responsibilities.
What technical challenges does implementation pose?
One of the main challenges is the creation of a centralized system. USPS will need to develop a portal to receive voter lists from all states. Currently, that system does not exist. Additionally, data formats vary between states, which complicates information integration. Electoral offices will also need to adapt their processes. This involves additional costs and infrastructure changes, especially in jurisdictions with fewer resources.
How would this measure impact voters?
The main risk is that some voters would not receive their ballots on time. This could occur if states do not comply with requirements or if there are system failures. Rural communities would be especially vulnerable. In these areas, mail-in voting is a key tool.
