Overview
- The Postal Service published a proposed rule that would make states submit names, addresses and unique barcodes for outbound and return federal ballots and said it would compile those submissions into a federal participation list.
- The proposal, first posted after a May 29 rulemaking step and formally published in early June, opens a 30-day public comment period and exempts overseas and military ballots and primary elections.
- Civil rights groups and more than 20 states have sued, arguing the order intrudes on state control of elections and risks leaving eligible voters off lists; Democratic plaintiffs have appealed a judge’s refusal to block the order and asked courts for renewed relief if agencies act.
- At a June 2 hearing, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani pressed government lawyers on how federal data would be compiled, how errors like name changes or moves would be fixed, and how disenfranchisement would be avoided.
- Election officials, vendors and postal workers warn the rule’s barcode and timing requirements would impose new technical work, supply and cost burdens on local offices, and legal fights will determine whether the plan can be finalized before November.