You've Got Mail (and Maybe a Ballot)

On September 14, the Supreme Court ruled on League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, a major case regarding mail-in voting. Their ruling left in place a preliminary injunction blocking the US Postal Service from enforcing a suppressive new voting rule that would severely restrict voting by mail. This is a critical win for voting rights. 

Every election, millions of people vote by mail. Voting by mail is a crucial option that makes voting more accessible for people in the military, older adults, people with disabilities, and people who work different hours – not to mention anyone who just prefers it. 

That’s why cases like League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump are so important. This blog reviews the Trump Administration’s recent attacks on vote-by-mail, how the League and partners took legal action, and what you can do to defend voting rights today. 

What Happened with Mail-In Voting? A Timeline 

Trump’s Executive Order 

On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14399, “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections.” The order reads: 

• States must send the US Postal Service (USPS) a list of people who will get mail ballots 60 days before the election. 
• USPS must create unique identifiers (barcodes) for ballot envelopes, and deliver only ballots tied to voters on an “approved” list. 
• DHS must work with the Social Security Administration and other federal databases to help compile citizenship information for states. 
• DOJ must prioritize investigating and prosecuting election officials who issue ballots to voters found ineligible. 

Bottom line: the EO would require states to coordinate with USPS and other government agencies to create lists of eligible citizen voters. It would also task USPS with creating unique ballot identifiers, including barcodes, and restrict mail ballots to voters on approved lists. USPS is not equipped to maintain these lists and lacks the legal authority to administer elections.

LWV and Partners Sue the Trump Administration to Protect Mail-In Voting 

On April 2, 2026, several voting rights groups, led by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and the League of Women Voters of the United States, sued to challenge the order in federal court in Massachusetts. They argued it unconstitutionally targeted mail voting and voter eligibility. 

Plaintiffs asked the court to declare the order unconstitutional and to stop it from being implemented. A separate, parallel case, Trump v. California, was brought by 23 states and Washington, DC. Three additional lawsuits challenging the EO were filed by other voting rights groups and Democrats in federal court in DC. 

USPS’s New Rule 

Meanwhile, in June 2026, the USPS published a notice in the Federal Register asking for comments on a proposed rule based on the directives from the President’s EO. USPS then sought public comments before launching the final rule and new regulations for processing mail ballots.  

In mid-August, the district court issued a preliminary injunction barring USPS from implementing the EO’s mail-ballot list and barcode provisions for the midterms. In direct violation of the court’s order, USPS finalized its rule anyway and published it in the Federal Register.  

On August 27, the court granted LWVMA plaintiffs a temporary restraining order for 14 days, blocking key provisions tied to voter information and USPS approval through November 3. Then, due to a ruling by the Supreme Court in the state case (Trump v. California), the preliminary injunction was removed, and LWVMA plaintiffs filed a new request for a preliminary injunction, which the district court in Massachusetts granted in late August. That order blocked USPS from implementing its finalized rule through the 2026 election.  

The government appealed that ruling to both the First Circuit and the US Supreme Court in the first week of September, and then both courts denied the government’s attempt to stop the injunction. This US Supreme Court decision is the one referenced at the top of the blog. 

Because of these lawsuits challenging the illegality of the Executive Order and the USPS rule, eligible voters will be able to vote by mail during this election. Yet this is likely not the last attempt to restrict mail-in voting, as we know this process is being targeted by the current Administration. 

What Can Voters Do Right Now? 

Voters have several options to cast a ballot for the 2026 election, including: 

• Check your state's rules now. Use VOTE411.org or contact your state or local election officials for the latest on registering, requesting a ballot, voting in person, and deadlines. 
• If you get a mail ballot, return it early. Don't wait until the last minute; follow your state's instructions and use a drop box or other early-return option where available. 
• If your requested ballot doesn't arrive, act promptly. Check its status and contact your local election official right away. Don't assume you have to give up on voting. 
• Have a backup plan. Know how you can vote early in person or on Election Day if your mail ballot doesn’t show up in time. 
• If your state lets you, track your ballot so you know where it is. 
• Make sure your registration and mailing address are correct with your election office. 
• Use trustworthy and up-to-date sources. Rules are different in each state and can change, so check VOTE411 and your Secretary of State’s website often. 

Where Can I Get Up-to-Date Info on Mail-In Voting? 

The League understands mail voting is important for voters and our democracy, which is why we filed the lawsuit to defend it. You can find further updates on the case on our Legal Center and in news releases.  

Meanwhile, use VOTE411 to make a voting plan today. Learn your state’s rules, ask for and return your ballot early, and have a backup plan. Your vote is your power — get ready to use it!