Federal Appeals Court Upholds Ruling on Trump’s Executive Order on Mail Voting

A federal appeals court on Tuesday decided not to block President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting mail voting. This decision came shortly after the administration sought guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court on the matter in a separate case.

The three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia confirmed a previous ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols. Judge Nichols had stated that an injunction against the order was not appropriate at this stage. The ruling emphasized that the Democrats and voting rights organizations challenging the order could not request an injunction until the Trump administration issued formal regulations. These regulations were released shortly thereafter.

The appellate panel, which included two judges appointed by former President Barack Obama and one appointed by Trump, agreed with Nichols’ ruling, noting that no dissenting opinions were filed. However, the panel highlighted concerns if the administration attempted to enforce the order imminently before the November midterm elections. The panel mentioned that such actions, involving significant changes to election procedures, may face legal obstacles. The ruling highlighted concerns over the executive order’s feasibility, quoting a previous legal opinion that questioned its potential implementation.

In a related case, Democratic state officials had filed a complaint, resulting in a federal judge in Massachusetts blocking the executive order for the current year’s elections. This ruling was sustained by a Boston-based appeals court and was subsequently appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court by the Trump administration.

The Postal Service has yet to provide information on actions related to Trump’s order. However, the American Postal Workers Union, which opposes the order, indicated that preparations are underway. Union President Jonathan Smith mentioned in a phone interview that efforts are being made to develop an online portal for voters to submit information necessary for mail ballot eligibility.

President Trump has made several attempts to change voting procedures unilaterally during his second term, often being stopped by the courts. These efforts have been part of a broader narrative to address allegations of election fraud linked to his loss in the 2020 presidential race against Joe Biden.

In an executive order issued in March, Trump directed a list of eligible voters be compiled by the federal government, with the Postal Service delivering ballots only to those listed. Legal challenges argue that the Constitution gives states control over elections, not the president, and that Congress has the authority to change federal election procedures but has not exercised this power.

Trump also signed an order last year requiring nationwide voter ID and proof of citizenship for voter registration. This proposal has met resistance in the Senate, stalling due to opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.

Associated Press writer John Hanna contributed to this report.