Federal judge blocks USPS mail-ballot rule changes in Washington ahead of midterms
A U.S. district judge has extended an injunction halting new Postal Service requirements for mail-in ballots in Washington, leaving the state's existing voting procedures unchanged for the November midterm election.
A federal judge on Friday extended a preliminary injunction that temporarily stops the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new mail-in ballot rules in Washington state. The ruling keeps the state's current voting process in place for the upcoming November midterm elections.
The contested USPS regulations, issued to comply with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March, would have required voters to use a new envelope with a barcode for absentee ballots. Washington, together with 25 other states, sued, arguing that the changes could not be implemented in time for the election.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said the court will continue to review the case, but the injunction remains in effect while the litigation proceeds.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the state will continue to ensure that the midterm election is "safe, secure, and accessible." Ballots are scheduled to begin mailing to voters on Oct. 16.