This is an important update, but public comments on the related USPS proposed rule are still needed. The USPS proposal remains open for public comment through July 2, and coalition partners are encouraging organizations and individuals to submit comments in support of secure, accessible mail voting.
Nothing has changed about how Michigan voters cast absentee ballots right now. Michigan voters can continue using existing absentee voting procedures under current state law.
For more background on what the USPS proposal would do, read VAAC’s background post on the USPS ballot mail proposal.
What happened
On Thursday, June 25, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani blocked key parts of the executive order targeting mail voting. The ruling came after legal challenges from states and voting rights groups. The administration may still appeal the decision.
The executive order had directed federal agencies, including USPS, to take actions related to voter eligibility lists and ballot delivery. The USPS later issued a proposed rule tied to that order regarding ballot mail for federal elections. The proposed rule is still in the public comment period.
Why public comments still matter
Coalition partners are continuing to encourage public comments because the proposed USPS rule has not been finalized.
The concern remains the same: USPS should remain a neutral mail carrier, not an overseer of ballot distribution.
Mail voting is a secure, accurate, and accessible way for eligible voters to cast their ballots. Public comments give voters and organizations a chance to explain why USPS should focus on receiving, transmitting, and delivering mail, while state and local election officials continue administering elections.
Take action by July 2
Organizations and individuals can submit public comments urging USPS to defend the independence of election systems and uphold its responsibility to receive, transmit, and deliver the mail.
Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, July 2.
You can submit a comment in one of two ways:
Email your comment to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov with the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Emailed comments must include the name and address of the commenter.
Or, you can use Stand Up America’s letter submission tool.
What to say in your comment
These public comments are most useful when they are written in your own words. You do not need to write a long comment. A few sentences about how mail voting affects you, your family, or your community can help explain why USPS should not adopt the proposed rule.
You may want to include:
🔘 How you use absentee voting or why the option is important to you.
🔘 Whether mail voting helps because of work, caregiving, disability, transportation, age, military service, rural distance, or another access need.
🔘 Any concern that errors, outdated information, or administrative problems could keep eligible voters from receiving their ballots.
🔘 Why you believe USPS should focus on reliable ballot delivery and leave voter eligibility and ballot distribution decisions to state and local election officials.
Nothing has changed in Michigan
The court decision blocked the executive order for now, and the USPS proposed rule has not been finalized. Nothing has changed about absentee voting in Michigan.
Michigan voters should continue following current Michigan absentee voting procedures. Voters can still vote by mail in Michigan’s August 4 Primary Election and November 3 General Election.
EN 
ES
… reposted this!
Good day. I was shocked and very mad to learn of the Post Master General’s proposal to limit mail in voting. The USPS has no legal authority to interfere with mail ballots.
As I understand the proposal, the USPS has tied the delivery of mail ballots to only the states that have turned over the registered voter list to states that will provide the Federal Government with voter data. I currently live in Michigan. I am aware that the “U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled against the Trump administration, affirming the dismissal of a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit that sought unredacted voter data from Michigan.” I am very fortunate and thankful to live in an area where justices follow the US Constitution. Also, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, for the District of Massachusetts ruled that “the USPS has no legal authority to regulate who can vote by mail and how.” When I initially registered to vote many years ago, I had to present my driver’s license, the last 4 digits of might Social Security number, as well as a certified copy of my birth certificate. This type of procedure , or more stringent procedures, are standard in eachof the 50 states. This new proposal could and will disenfranchise many voters. My right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution. The current president still refuses to accept his 2020 Presidential Election defeat. This proposal from the Postmaster General is just a work around or a back door entry to suppress voter registration. I actually view this as a Poll Tax. This was outlawed by the 24th Amendment to the Constitution.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Rebecca W. Priest
I am absolutely horrified by the thought that the government and/or the postal service would decide if I have the right to vote. What are we coming to? Please, please stop this takeover!
Voting by mail is essential for so many seniors in my apartment complex. Many have limited mobility and getting to polls to vote can be quite challenging. Mail in ballots have been working well in California and many states for many years. There is no need to change something that is serving the public good and preserving our democratic right to vote and have a say who are elected officials will be. The job of USPS is to focus on reliable ballot delivery. It is not the job of USPS to determine voter eligibility! Ballot distribution should be kept under the jurisdiction of the states and local election officials! Thank you.
As a senior, mail-in voting is not just a courtesy, but a necessity to ensure that those unable to physically participate in the voting process are allowed means to express their political preferences. This is also true for disabled and rural citizens who may not have easy access to the voting process. In the future, online voting would even further expand participation in our Democratic system.
Mail-in voting is not just a courtesy, but a necessity to ensure that those unable to physically participate in the voting process are allowed means to express their political preferences. In the future, online voting would even further expand participation in our Democratic system.
I do not often vote by mail because it feels good to actually go to a polling center and see my vote counted there. But there are many people who can’t vote this way for various reasons and voting is such an important part of who we are as Americans. Access to voting should not be hindered in any way. I do not believe the 2020 election was stolen but President Trump still does, and he is using his power to make the vote “turn out right” in 2026. No president should have that power. No institution of our government should bend to that power. Please do not bend to the president’s power. I heard that the Post Office may run out of money by October if this year. Why would you agree to take on this additional burden when you are having trouble funding the job you are doing right now? Do not let the pillar of our independence be brought down in the 250th year of our independence!
Please DO NOT ALLOW Politicians to stop mail in voting. I have had to vote by mail. Mother did also, as did all people in an assisted living area due to an amputated leg 2 years before her death. Both my mom and I were teachers and not moneyed as are those who would love to break this DEMOCRACY??!!! STOP THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR COUNTRY.
I WAS BORN IN MIDDLE TN. Stop the stupidity. Thanks.
C. Bee
To whom it may concern:
I believe the USPS should focus on reliable delivery of the mail, including paper ballots by mail. Policies related voter eligibility and the delivery and counting of mail in ballots are rightfully to be left to State and local election officials under the Constitution of the USA.
I submitted my comment a couple days ago with the same message. USPS has an important mission to deliver mail reliably. To get involved in politics or enforcing election rules is a distraction that would only hurt that mission. Besides, we already have people in every state whose job it is to manage elections. Let them do the job!