DOJ to Defend Trump-Backed Mail-In Voting Restrictions

Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to defend mail-in voting limits supported by former President Donald Trump. This follows a significant 6-3 Supreme Court victory. The Department of Justice aims to uphold election integrity with the midterm elections approaching.

Legal challenges are forthcoming from California Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is among those suing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) over regulations that would affect mail-in voting. Shapiro asserts that Trump’s actions are unconstitutional, stressing that states hold the authority to set election rules.

Shapiro stated on X, “I’m suing the Trump Administration to stop their unconstitutional attempt to change the rules and restrict mail-in voting. I’ll remind the President of my track record going up against him in court — and winning — to protect Pennsylvania’s free, fair, safe, and secure elections. I’m prepared to do so again.”

The states returned to court after the Supreme Court stayed a previous injunction issued by a Massachusetts federal judge. The states’ initial challenge was deemed premature as USPS had not finalized the rule when the suit was filed.

The White House defends the Supreme Court ruling. Press secretary Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital that the decision protects American elections’ security and follows President Trump’s enacted agenda.

The USPS rule titled “Ballot Mail for Federal Elections” has now taken effect. The rule mandates that state election officials submit mail-in ballot recipient information to a USPS portal. This process involves trackable barcodes and pre-approved ballot-envelope designs.

The states, in their 53-page complaint, argue that the USPS rule gives the agency a new and improper role in elections. They contend that such changes require Congressional approval and that USPS failed to conduct necessary reviews for widespread changes to postal operations.

The legal coalition seeks to block and potentially discard the USPS rule, asserting their challenge addresses concerns highlighted by the Supreme Court. A Massachusetts judge had initially blocked the USPS requirements, yet lifted the injunction following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The states’ complaint states, “This Court held that ‘no law enacted by Congress delegates authority to control mail-in voting to USPS,’ and that the President’s directives to USPS were ultra vires.”

The USPS has not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Alec Schemmel reported for Fox News Digital from the Washington D.C.-Baltimore Metro Area.