Judge Temporarily Blocks USPS Mail-Ballot Rule

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a new U-S Postal Service rule affecting mail ballots ahead of the November election.

Minnesota joined a 25-state coalition challenging the rule. It would require states to submit information about eligible mail voters through a federal portal and receive Postal Service approval for ballot-envelope designs.

U-S District Judge Indira Talwani issued a 14-day restraining order Thursday. A hearing on a longer injunction is scheduled for September 3rd.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says the requirements unlawfully interfere with states’ authority to administer elections.

The Trump administration appealed the ruling Friday. The case now moves to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Minnesota Attorney General’s Office