The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s plan to restrict mail-in ballots, upholding a federal judge’s injunction that prevents USPS from implementing new mail-ballot rules before the midterms.

States have begun mailing ballots in multiple jurisdictions, with Alabama and others expected to follow soon, complicating adherence to the blocked Rule.

About one-third of U.S. voters used mail-in voting in 2024, underscoring the high stakes of the ruling for election administration and participation.

Experts note that while noncitizens have appeared on rolls, evidence of widespread noncitizen voting remains extremely rare, highlighting a tension between security measures and civil privacy.

Opponents cite privacy and misclassification risks; advocates point to research indicating noncitizen voting is rare and emphasize protecting election integrity.

Investigations have found noncitizens occasionally appear on rolls and vote, but such instances are rare according to multiple studies.

State officials stressed stability and voter confidence, emphasizing that participation should continue despite prior confusion or misinformation.

Officials say they do not take a position on the legality of changes but warn of the operational burdens and problems if implemented now.

The article notes the piece originated from CalMatters and was republished under a Creative Commons license.

On artificial intelligence, the DOJ will prosecute criminal conduct involving AI but will not regulate the industry via enforcement, preferring voluntary safety cooperation.

Analysts welcomed the majority’s stance that the rules would not apply to elections, reducing bureaucratic risk and potential disenfranchisement.

Missouri officials acknowledged time constraints but signaled willingness to implement feasible parts of the plan, while the White House defended safeguards and timing.