Court sides with administration
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump's executive order limiting access to mail-in ballots, clearing the way for parts of the order to take effect. The decision was announced Wednesday as states gear up for the November midterm elections. The ruling means stricter rules on mail voting can move forward in states covered by the order.
States push back
Democratic-controlled states filed a new lawsuit challenging the order on Wednesday, arguing it oversteps federal authority and interferes with state election laws. Voting rights groups joined the fight, warning that the rules could make it harder for millions of Americans to cast ballots. Legal experts said the case could reach the Supreme Court again before Election Day. Several states have already passed their own laws to expand mail voting, setting up a direct clash with federal policy.
What the order does
The executive order tightens rules around mail ballots, including deadlines for requesting and returning them. Supporters say the changes protect election integrity and reduce fraud. Opponents say mail voting is safe and that the restrictions will disenfranchise older voters, rural voters, and members of the military. The ruling is a win for the administration ahead of an election season in which control of both chambers of Congress is at stake.
Election officials in several states said they are reviewing the ruling and preparing for legal challenges. Advocacy groups are urging voters to check their registration status and request ballots early to avoid problems under the new rules. The court's action follows a series of rulings on election rules this year. Legal observers say the mail-in ballot fight is far from over, and the rules for November could change several more times before voters head to the polls.