The administration asks the Supreme Court to lift a lower court ruling blocking sweeping mail-in voting restrictions.
The administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to pause a lower court ruling that blocked parts of an executive order aimed at reshaping federal mail-in voting. The order, signed by President Trump in March, directs federal agencies to create lists of eligible voters and requires the US Postal Service to deliver ballots only to those on the official lists. While 23 Democratic-led states challenged the order, arguing that the Constitution leaves election administration to the states, the administration argued that the order provides general policy guidance rather than a mandate. The administration noted that the agencies have not yet finalized regulations, making the lower court's decision to block the order premature. Democratic leaders, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, defended the ruling, stating that the administration lacks the authority to unilaterally dictate state election processes. However, the administration maintains that the order will help prioritize the prosecution of officials who issue ballots to ineligible voters, aiming to streamline the process before the November midterms.