Injunction Upheld: federal administration can't interfere with mid-term elections

OLYMPIA — On Monday, September 14, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Postal Service cannot place new restrictions on mail-in ballots before the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision reaffirms what we already know: the USPS rule would create unnecessary disruption and put our voters at risk. Washington’s election workers are already hard at work preparing to conduct a safe, secure, and accurate election. Now, that work continues without having to upend our election processes to meet unrealistic ballot mail requirements.

“For Washington voters, the message is simple: Nothing is changing about Washington elections right now. Voters will continue to receive their ballots by mail, and I encourage every eligible Washingtonian to make a plan to vote: go to VoteWA.gov to check your voter registration and find official ballot drop boxes near you.

“This is a victory for this year’s election, but I know the broader fight is not over. I will not permit any interference with our state’s constitutional authority to administer elections.”

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees areas within state government, including managing state elections.