Federal Actions on Mail-in Voting Advance Following Supreme Court Ruling

<p>The next phase of federal actions regarding mail-in voting is progressing after the Supreme Court issued a ruling favoring the Trump administration in a challenge to mail-in ballot restrictions. The ruling allows federal agencies, including the Postal Service, to implement new standards and protocols related to mail-in voting.</p><p>Gene Hamilton, a former White House deputy counsel, stated that federal agencies can now proceed with parts of Trump's election-integrity order, which includes new ballot-mail standards and efforts to verify state citizenship lists. Opposing states are awaiting specific federal actions that may lead to new lawsuits.</p><p>Hamilton noted that when Trump directed the Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ) to prepare for new protocols, several states claimed they would be harmed. However, the Supreme Court's majority rejected these claims, stating that no action had yet occurred.</p><p>Initially, a Boston federal judge sided with the states, but the Supreme Court ruled that the states could not prevent federal agencies from planning future actions. Hamilton emphasized that the court's decision clarified that potential future harm does not equate to present injury.</p><p>He remarked that if the states were correct in their predictions of future harm, it would open the door for extensive legal challenges against new policies. Hamilton criticized the district judge's interpretation of Article III powers, suggesting it improperly allowed states to dictate which cases the DOJ could pursue.</p><p>Hamilton indicated that the legal situation could change rapidly once the federal actions are implemented, but states must demonstrate concrete or imminent injury when challenging executive actions.</p><p>Trump's order also directs DHS to compile lists of adult U.S. citizens and instructs the DOJ to prioritize investigations into ballots issued to ineligible voters. Hamilton stated that it remains to be seen what actions federal agencies will take following the ruling.</p><p>The Postal Service's proposed ballot-mail rule, finalized in June, requires standardized ballot envelopes and unique tracking barcodes. States that do not comply may have their federal ballot mail refused or returned. However, the agency has indicated it will not implement the rule for the upcoming midterms until legal challenges are resolved.</p><p>Hamilton questioned why states would not take steps to ensure the security of mail-in ballots, such as obtaining lists of eligible voters. The White House has not provided specific details on which provisions of Trump's order will be implemented or when.</p><p>California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the plaintiffs from 23 states, criticized the Supreme Court's decision, asserting that it would make it harder for Americans to vote. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also expressed opposition, stating that Trump does not control elections in Pennsylvania.</p><p>Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes vowed to fight against the implementation of the rule, indicating that further legal battles are expected. Hamilton predicted ongoing litigation as federal agencies proceed with their actions.</p>