USPS Proposes Rule Requiring Serialized Barcode Tracking on Every Mail Ballot — Creating a De Facto Federal Voter Registry

Following Trump's March 31 executive order, the USPS published a proposed rule requiring serialized barcode tracking on every mail ballot, tied to the voter's name and address. The rule effectively created a federal registry of who votes by mail. States were given until the July 29 final rule deadline to overhaul their ballot systems for the November midterms — leaving only 3 months. Voting rights advocates called the rule an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote. Election officials across both parties warned the rule would disenfranchise military voters overseas and voters with disabilities who rely on mail voting.