Postal Service Weighs Rule to Withhold Mail Ballots From Noncompliant States

The U.S. Postal Service is evaluating a rule that would block delivery of mail ballots in states that decline to provide absentee voter lists to federal authorities. Postmaster General David Steiner told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday that the agency would not deliver ballots under the proposed rule if a state refused the requested information.

The measure stems from an executive order directing the Postal Service to develop regulations requiring states to supply lists of eligible voters at least 60 days before federal elections.

California has more than 22 million registered voters who automatically receive mail ballots each year, according to state election data. If state officials refuse to comply, millions of ballots could be affected. Election data expert Paul Mitchell said any attempt to withhold ballot delivery would likely face legal challenges and that election administration remains a state responsibility.

Political consultant Matt Klink said the requirement is a reasonable step to verify who receives ballots and argued that sharing voter data should not be viewed as a partisan issue.

The proposed regulation is undergoing a 30-day public comment period.

The Postal Service is expected to issue a final rule by the end of July.