The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 29, 2026
The lower courts have largely blocked President Trump’s March executive order on elections as violations of the Constitution’s Elections Clause. July 27th, his administration asked the more friendly U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on an appeals court decision blocking the U.S. Postal Service from verifying citizenship for mail-in voters.
Attorneys general from 23 states challenged the President’s order, arguing the Constitution grants the states and congress authority over elections. June 25th, a federal district judge blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing key sections of the order, writing, “The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections.” The judge enjoined the administration from implementing Sections 2 and 3 of the executive order. The administration appealed.
July 25th, a three-judge 1st Circuit panel ruled 2-1 to uphold the district court decision. July 27th, the administration appealed again, arguing the lower courts erred because the USPS plan had yet to be finalized, and states couldn’t claim injury. The states argued previously that the executive order forced them to, QUOTE, expend time and resources now to prevent . . . chaos, confusion, and disenfranchisement.”
With the midterms imminent, expect a response from the court shortly.
We’ve linked the previous decisions and the latest appeal at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The White House – ENSURING CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION AND INTEGRITY IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS
U.S. District Court for Massachusetts (via Court Listener) – Ruling in California v. Trump
United States Court of Appeals For the First Circuit – Order in California v. Trump
U.S. Supreme Court – APPLICATION FOR A STAY OF THE INJUNCTION ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS AND REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE STAY
Brennan Center for Justice – Analyzing the President’s Executive Order on Mail Voting
U.S. Congress – ArtI.S4.C1.2 States and Elections Clause
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (June) Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration from Implementing Key Parts of Executive Order on Elections as Unconstitutional Overreach
American Democracy Minute – (April) Trump Executive Order on Mail-In Voting Spurs 5 Lawsuits from States, Pro-Democracy Groups, Civil Rights Groups and the Democratic Party
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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