Trump administration urges Supreme Court to allow order targeting mail-in voting before midterms

The Trump administration has formally petitioned the Supreme Court to permit the enforcement of an executive order aimed at modifying mail-in voting procedures before the upcoming midterm elections. This order directs government agencies to establish a federal list of eligible citizens and instructs the U.S. Postal Service to limit ballot deliveries to individuals on that list. Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia have challenged the mandate, arguing that the Constitution reserves the authority to determine election rules for states and Congress. Lower courts have previously blocked the executive order, leading the Justice Department to request a freeze on these injunctions. Solicitor General D. John Sauer contends that the order provides general policy guidance rather than direct control over state election processes and should be allowed to move forward. The administration maintains these changes are necessary to prevent noncitizens from voting, a practice experts note is already rare and illegal. Critics of the measure argue that the rules are prone to abuse and could cause significant election chaos. A response to the administration's appeal is scheduled for submission in early August. The Supreme Court is now faced with deciding whether to stay lower court rulings while the broader legal battle continues. This development occurs as the administration seeks to address concerns regarding voter eligibility ahead of the high-stakes November contest.