Federal appeals court rejects Trump administration mail-in ballot restrictions

The short version

• The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court order blocking the Trump administration from enforcing restrictions on mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections.[The Hill]
• Judges concurred with a district court finding that there was no record evidence demonstrating past or impending mail-in ballot fraud.[The Hill]
• Seven Republican state election officials have urged the Supreme Court to halt the implementation of the directive.[The Hill]
• The Justice Department has sought emergency intervention from the Supreme Court, leaving the ultimate status of the voting rules unresolved.[The Hill]

Key facts

• Three judges on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district judge's block on Postal Service implementation of an executive order restricting mail ballots.[The Hill]
• The appellate panel noted an absence of evidence showing past or imminent voter fraud in connection with the upcoming midterms.[The Hill]
• Seven Republican state election officials submitted requests asking the Supreme Court to block enforcement of the administration's order.[The Hill]
• Solicitor General D. John Sauer filed an emergency application claiming the administration is likely to prevail on the legal merits.[The Hill]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Appeals court denies Trump administration's mail ballot restrictionsThe Hill