The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has formally expressed “deep alarm” regarding a new United States Postal Service (USPS) rule designed to align with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on voting procedures. The union, representing hundreds of thousands of workers, characterized the move as an unconstitutional attempt to restrict mail-in voting.
The controversy stems from a March 31 executive order directing the USPS to process absentee ballots only for voters included on federally approved lists. Election experts note that the administration of elections is constitutionally delegated to states and Congress, rather than federal executive agencies. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the USPS began implementing compliance measures on May 29, following a federal judge’s decision not to block the order.
The NAACP has joined the legal pushback, filing a lawsuit on Thursday arguing that the new rule violates a 2021 court-enforced settlement requiring the USPS to protect mail-in ballot delivery through 2028. Additionally, a Department of Justice filing revealed that the Department of Homeland Security is exploring collaboration with the USPS to monitor ballot flows for “anomalies.”
The APWU maintains that the Postal Service was established as an independent entity, stating, “The Postal Service serves all Americans – regardless of party, religion, or race; it is not a tool for politicians.” Meanwhile, election officials in California and Wisconsin have reported noticeable delays in ballot delivery since the policy shifts began.