WANT TO TAKE ACTION NOW?
The U.S. Postal Service is considering a proposed rule that could dramatically change how mail ballots are handled for federal elections. Learn what’s at stake and submit a public comment before July 2.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is considering a proposed rule that would dramatically change how mail ballots are handled in federal elections. If implemented, the rule could create new barriers for voters who rely on voting by mail, shift election administration responsibilities away from states, and require USPS to determine whether certain ballots should be delivered at all.
For nonprofits working to ensure every eligible voter can participate in elections, these proposed changes raise serious concerns about voter access, election administration, and the independence of our election systems.
The Postal Service is accepting public comments until Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
What is the Proposed Rule?
On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14399 directing federal agencies, including USPS, to take new actions affecting vote-by-mail systems.
In response, the USPS issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on June 2 that would amend the Domestic Mail Manual and establish new federal requirements for handling absentee and mail ballots.
Among other things, the proposal would:
- Create a new Federal Ballot Mail Portal managed by USPS;
- Require states to submit lists of registered voters receiving mail ballots;
- Require USPS to compare ballots against those lists;
- Allow USPS to refuse acceptance or delivery of ballots it determines do not comply with the new requirements.
Ultimately, the proposal would significantly expand USPS’s role in election administration.
Why Does This Matter?
Mail voting is an important option for millions of Americans, including older adults, people with disabilities, military families, rural communities, caregivers, and voters whose work schedules make in-person voting difficult.
Historically, USPS has served as a neutral mail carrier, refraining from playing a formal role in the administering of elections. This proposal would require the agency to make decisions that could affect whether mail ballots are delivered, creating responsibilities traditionally carried out by state and local election officials.
Additionally, there are a number of consequences for this new proposed rule:
- States and election officials would face significant new administrative burdens.
Election administrators are already preparing for the 2026 elections. Implementing new federal reporting systems, redesigning ballot envelopes, and coordinating new procedures on short notice could create unnecessary complexity and delays. - Errors could prevent eligible voters from receiving ballots.
The proposed system depends on large data exchanges, new technology, and administrative coordination. Even routine clerical errors, outdated voter information, or technical problems could interfere with ballot delivery for eligible voters. - USPS has not traditionally exercised this authority.
Many legal experts have argued that election administration responsibilities belong primarily to states and Congress, not the Postal Service acting through executive direction. Several organizations have also raised concerns that the proposal exceeds USPS’s statutory authority.
And confusion around the ability to enforce the rule also exists:
- Ongoing litigation and decisions
On June 25, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that portions of Executive Order 14399 relating to mail voting are legally void and barred federal agencies from using those provisions to interfere with mail voting in the plaintiff states. The court also blocked USPS from withholding mail ballots from voters who do not appear on federally approved lists in those states.
However, the USPS rulemaking process remains open, and the Postal Service is still accepting public comments through July 2.
Why Should Nonprofits Comment?
Nonprofits understand firsthand how important accessible voting options are for the communities they serve. Many organizations work with older adults, veterans, rural communities, people with disabilities, students, caregivers, and other populations who rely on mail voting. Others partner with election officials to provide trusted, nonpartisan voter information.
Public comments help demonstrate the practical consequences these proposed changes could have for voters and communities nationwide.
TAKE ACTION BEFORE JULY 2
The Postal Service is accepting comments until Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
Comments are accepted via email only.
Step 1: Copy and paste (or simply click the button) this address into a new email: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov
Step 2: Use the sample comment below, or customize it with your own experience.
Subject line: Ballot Mail for Federal Elections
Comments should include your name and mailing address.
I am concerned that the proposed changes to how USPS handles mail ballots could make it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The proposal would create unnecessary administrative burdens for election officials, expand USPS’s role beyond delivering mail, and increase the risk that voters could lose access to their ballots because of data errors or implementation challenges outside of their control. USPS should continue serving as a trusted and reliable carrier of election mail, not an election administrator. I urge USPS to withdraw the proposed rule and focus on ensuring timely, reliable delivery of election mail for every voter.
Please note: Emailed comments should include your name and mailing address, as requested by USPS. If you’re using the sample comments above, be sure to personalize it with your own experience when possible, and/or to use the signature line to include your mailing address and name.
→ Prefer to write your own? Consider including these points:
- USPS should focus on providing reliable, universal mail service for all election mail.
- USPS should remain a neutral mail carrier, not an election administrator;
- States and local election officials already administer mail voting;
- The proposal could create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters;
- New administrative requirements could delay ballots and increase confusion;
- Major changes to election systems should not be implemented immediately before a federal election;
- USPS should focus on providing reliable, universal mail service for all election mail.
