Trump Administration Requests Supreme Court to Overturn Lower Court Blocks on USPS Mail-Ballot Limits

The Justice Department on Wednesday filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn two recent district-court orders that blocked a Postal Service rule limiting mail-in and absentee voting ahead of the November midterm elections. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the rulings “will effectively run out the clock on the government’s ability to implement” the changes and could cause “irreparable harm” to election integrity.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an Obama appointee, issued the orders after California and 22 other states challenged the rule as being introduced too close to the election and likely to disrupt voting. In a separate case, Talwani sided with the League of Women Voters and other groups to block the plan nationwide, noting that the election is less than 90 days away.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office filed a response asking the high court to reject the administration’s request, contending that the two cases involve distinct legal issues and should be addressed separately. Deputy Solicitor General Ian Fein wrote that Sauer should seek relief in the specific case before Talwani’s latest order, allowing the League of Women Voters and other plaintiffs to respond.

The League of Women Voters praised Talwani’s decision, stating that millions of voters—including seniors, military personnel, people with disabilities, rural residents, and overseas citizens—rely on mail voting and that election rules must be set by law, not by executive action.

The Supreme Court has not indicated when it will rule on the emergency petition, but the filing emphasizes the need for a prompt decision given the approaching election.