The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 1, 2026
BOSTON — The U.S. Supreme Court lifted an injunction August 24th, blocking the U.S. Postal Service from checking citizenship of mail-in voters, because the rules had not yet been finalized, and states were not yet hurt. Now the rules are final, and the League of Women Voters filed another appeal in the First Circuit.
The first appeal by 23 states and DC sided with the president, allowing USPS to to comply with President Donald Trump’s March 31st executive order. An injunction in the second case by the League and four other pro-voter groups was vacated as a result of the high court’s decision.
In the interim, USPS finalized the rules, and the League’s coalition appealed August 28th. They’re likely to again argue that President Trump’s order and the Postal Service’s plan are not allowed under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution, giving states primary authority over administration of elections, not the president or the executive branch.
The First Circuit is likely to act quickly. The new USPS rules require a redesign of mail-in ballot envelopes, which election officials say is impossible, given early voting deadlines. North Carolina sends out its first absentee ballots September 4th. The First Circuit upheld the lower court in the challenge by 23 states and DC. Over 30% of Americans voted by mail in 2024.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
League of Women Voters – Voting Rights Groups Move to Block Newly-Finalized Mail Ballot Rule
U.S. District Court for Massachusetts – Notice of Appeal
Votebeat – Trump’s mail voting restrictions would create logistical nightmare for midterm elections
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – In 6 to 3 Decision, Supreme Court Majority Stops Lower Court’s Ruling Blocking U.S. Postal Service Plans for Mail-In Voter Citizenship Verification
American Democracy Minute – Making Sense of Latest Conflicting Appeals Court Rulings on Trump’s March Executive Order on Elections. Has Harm Been Done–Yet?
Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters, Association of Americans Resident Overseas, US Vote Foundation, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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