President Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing federal action to create a national list of eligible voters and tighten rules around mail-in ballots.
On the federal judge's ruling, the court declined to block the order, finding plaintiffs had not shown immediate harm ahead of the 2026 midterms, according to AP reporting.
Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution gives states authority to set the 'times, places and manner' of federal elections, while allowing Congress to alter those regulations.
Roughly 43% of U.S. voters cast ballots by mail in the 2020 general election, compared with about 21% in 2016, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Supporters of the executive order argue uniform rules deter fraud and bolster confidence; opponents argue it usurps state authority and could disenfranchise eligible voters.