Democratic-controlled states sue to block Trump order sought to tighten mail voting for 2026 midterms

Democratic-controlled states filed another federal lawsuit on Wednesday seeking to block President Donald Trump’s order that, according to reporting, would limit mail voting for the 2026 midterm elections. The filing targets the administration action and asks a court to stop it from taking effect while the legal challenge proceeds.

The dispute centers on election administration rules governing how and when eligible voters can use the mail to cast ballots. Supporters of mail voting say state systems help ensure access for voters who cannot vote in person, while the administration’s rationale in the underlying order, as described by the news report, is focused on restricting mail voting practices for upcoming federal elections.

The lawsuit was filed by states described in the report as Democratic-controlled, which argued that the order would interfere with state authority over election procedures and that the policy would impose constraints before the midterm ballots are cast. The states’ request for court relief is intended to preserve the status quo for the 2026 election cycle rather than allow the administration’s limits to be implemented during the campaign season.

Under federal election law, states retain broad responsibility for administering elections, including the mechanics of voter registration and ballot handling, while federal law and constitutional requirements also apply to federal elections. The legal question raised in the suit, according to the reporting, is whether the administration can use the challenged executive action to alter mail voting processes in ways that exceed its authority or conflict with election protections.

The filing comes as multiple legal challenges to election-related federal actions have been litigated in recent election cycles. In this case, the new lawsuit seeks judicial review on the administration’s authority, the timing of the policy, and whether the order can be implemented on an expedited basis ahead of the midterms.

Court outcomes could determine whether the administration’s mail-voting limits apply for the 2026 midterm elections and whether states are able to continue using their existing procedures for absentee or mail ballots. If the court issues a stay or other interim relief, it would likely preserve current practices until the case is decided on the merits.

The White House and other federal authorities may respond to the suit by arguing that the order is within executive authority and aligned with federal election rules. The next steps include briefing and a possible hearing on requests for immediate injunctions, with the timeline depending on the court’s schedule.