On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed the Executive Order “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections.” This order introduces two major shifts: the creation of a federal “master list” of citizens for voter verification and new federal mandates for mail-in and absentee ballots.
For our mailing partners, the most significant impacts involving new USPS requirements are:
- Barcode & Envelope Standardization: The Postmaster General is directed to “initiate rulemaking” requiring all mail-in ballots to use “secure ballot envelopes” featuring unique Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb). This is intended to facilitate federal auditing and real-time tracking.
- Delivery Restrictions: The order directs the USPS to deliver mail-in ballots only to individuals appearing on a state-specific “Mail-in and Absentee Participation List.”
It remains to be seen how the USPS Board of Governors will respond—whether they will move to comply immediately or challenge the order’s impact on postal independence.
From a technical standpoint, implementation would require the USPS to file a Federal Register Notice to update the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) regarding physical envelope specifications. Furthermore, the USPS would likely need to seek an Advisory Opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) if this is deemed a nationwide change in the nature of postal services. If “Official Election Mail” is reclassified as a new mail class with distinct pricing, the PRC would require an even more rigorous review to ensure compliance with fair competition laws.
One thing is clear; this will not be a quick and easy rule to implement. We will be following this closely and keep you updated.
American Postal Workers Union Response
The APWU emphasizes that the Postal Service was designed to be an independent agency, specifically structured by Congress in 1970 to remain free from political interference. They note that for the USPS to filter who can receive ballots is a dangerous attempt to politicize the post office and disenfranchise voters. He highlights that voting by mail is a long-standing American tradition dating back to the Civil War and that the USPS must remain a neutral vehicle for democratic participation rather than a tool for political manipulation.
The union remains steadfast in its position that the Postal Service should deliver to everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, without being influenced by partisan agendas.
