First Circuit Upholds Injunction Blocking USPS Mail Ballot Rule Changes for 2020 Federal Elections
The First Circuit ruling blocks executive-branch changes to mail ballot handling for the 2020 cycle on constitutional grounds, preserving state authority over election mechanics. It highlights the tension between federal postal power and the Elections Clause without evidence of systemic fraud. The Supreme Court will decide whether to permit implementation before Election Day.
The decision preserves existing mail ballot procedures through November, leaving primary control over ballot acceptance and counting with state officials. The administration's parallel emergency application remains pending at the Supreme Court, where the First Circuit's constitutional analysis on delegation under the Elections Clause will be tested against the government's claim that the rule addresses only postal operations.
Supreme Court: grants emergency stay allowing USPS rule by September 25 or denies by same date
Sources (2)
- [1]U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Opinion(https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/sites/ca1/files/opinions/20-1836P.01A.pdf)
- [2]U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts Injunction Order(https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/sites/mad/files/1-20-cv-11241-IT.pdf)