Politics

Second judge halts Trump mail ballot order as Supreme Court considers appeal

A federal judge in Washington blocked mail-in voting rules as the high court reviews a similar order.

Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 12:47 UTC2 reports

The short version

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols blocked the Postal Service from enforcing President Trump's mail ballot order before the midterms.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
The ruling follows a similar order in Boston that the administration has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Election officials warned implementation is impossible while ballots are actively being mailed in several states.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered late Sunday that the U.S. Postal Service not implement President Donald Trump's executive order restricting mail balloting.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
The Supreme Court is reviewing an appeal of a separate preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani in Boston.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Mail ballots are already being distributed in Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, with other states following shortly.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Election officials stated it is impossible to enact the administration's policy changes so close to an upcoming general election.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]

It remains uncertain how the Supreme Court will rule on the administration's appeal and whether the executive order will affect the midterms.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]

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