US Postal Service may stop delivering mail ballots under Trump election order

State election officials across the US could soon face pressure to hand over voter lists to the federal government or risk losing Postal Service delivery for mail-in ballots under a proposed rule linked to President Donald Trump’s election order.

The proposal, introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) seeks to comply with an executive order signed by Trump earlier this year aimed at tightening rules around mail-in voting.

Under the draft rules, states would have to provide USPS with lists of voters receiving mail ballots before those ballots can be delivered through the postal system.

According to CNN, 23 Democratic-led states and Washington, DC, have filed lawsuits challenging the move, alongside Democratic Party organisations and voting rights groups.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told CNN that if the courts side with the Trump administration, “Then you will see a virtual elimination of mail-in voting, unless the states supply voter lists to the federal government.”

The Trump administration argues the measures are needed to improve election security. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the administration remained committed to “the safety and security of American elections.”

Critics say the proposal gives the federal government unprecedented influence over elections, which are traditionally managed by states.

Former USPS Board of Governors vice chair Anton Hajjar told CNN, “If proper postage is paid on a mail piece, the USPS should deliver it.”