A U.S. judge has blocked the Postal Service from implementing new mail-ballot restrictions, reversing the policy’s temporary authorization by the Supreme Court while litigation continues ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections. The rule would require states to submit voter names, addresses and ballot-linked barcodes through a federal USPS portal, with ballots delivered only when the required information has been received. States would still decide who is eligible to vote by mail, and USPS says it would not independently verify voters. Judge Talwani has scheduled a Sept. 3 hearing and could then decide whether to continue the injunction or allow the policy to take effect. The dispute could return to the Supreme Court, while election officials warn that new envelopes, barcodes and data procedures could delay ballots, particularly in rural areas and for seniors and disabled voters.