USPS may withhold mail ballots from states not providing voter rolls, Postmaster General says

The U.S. Postal Service could withhold mail ballots from states that refuse to provide voter rolls to the federal government, according to Postmaster General David Steiner. He informed a Senate committee on Wednesday that a proposed rule would require states to submit lists of individuals who have requested absentee or mail ballots.

During questioning from Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Steiner confirmed that the Postal Service would not deliver ballots to a state's voters if the state declined to share its absentee voter roll. "Under our proposed regulation? No," Steiner stated, adding that the service would inform the state, "we need the manifest."

“

Under our proposed regulation? No

The proposed USPS rule is intended to help verify compliance with federal law and assist law enforcement efforts. This proposal emerges in the context of President Donald Trump's March executive order, which seeks to strengthen mail voting regulations and establish eligible voter lists. However, the U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to manage elections, with Congress holding a limited oversight role in election regulations.

Despite having used mail ballots himself in past elections, President Trump has frequently characterized the voting method as "cheating." The proposed rule's reliance on state voter rolls raises concerns about federal interference in state-controlled election processes.

“

tell the state that we need the manifest.