Friday, 3 July 2026, 10:56
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is spearheading a multi-state legal challenge against a proposed U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule that would create a centralized voter list and restrict mail-in voting. The coalition of 24 attorneys general filed a comment letter on July 2, 2026, urging USPS to withdraw the rule, which they argue is an unconstitutional federal power grab that threatens to disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly in states like California that rely on universal vote-by-mail systems.
On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14399, directing USPS to establish a national list of eligible voters and transmit mail ballots only to those on that list. The order also threatened states and election officials with criminal prosecution and loss of federal funding for non-compliance. On June 2, USPS published a proposed rule to amend the Domestic Mail Manual, adding a section that would require states to submit voter lists—including names, addresses, and unique barcodes—to USPS. The rule would allow USPS to refuse delivery of ballots to voters not on the list, effectively giving the federal government control over mail-in elections.
In a series of judicial setbacks for the Trump administration, federal courts have blocked key aspects of the executive order and the proposed rule. On June 25, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts struck down the executive order in a lawsuit co-led by Bonta, applying to 24 states. Days later, on July 1, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in Washington D.C. granted the NAACP's motion to enforce a 2021 settlement requiring USPS to prioritize election mail delivery. Judge Sullivan ruled that the proposed rule violated the settlement's terms and dismissed USPS's arguments as “without merit.” Unlike the Massachusetts decision, this ruling applies nationwide.
In their comment letter, the attorneys general argue that the proposed rule:
California, which conducts all general elections via universal vote-by-mail, is directly impacted by this proposed rule. Attorney General Bonta, based in Oakland, has been a vocal opponent of the rule, emphasizing that mail-in voting is “safe, secure, and essential” for democratic participation. The state's election infrastructure would be severely disrupted if USPS were allowed to condition ballot delivery on voter list compliance. The coalition includes attorneys general from other vote-by-mail states like Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont, highlighting the regional stakes.
As the legal battle continues, the coalition of attorneys general is urging USPS to withdraw the proposed rule and respect the court orders blocking its implementation. With the 2026 general election approaching, the outcome of this fight will determine whether millions of Americans can vote by mail without federal interference. Voters in California and other states should stay informed and ensure their registration is up to date.
