Statement: The Voter Participation Center Commends the U.S. Supreme Court’s Rejection of President Trump’s Unconstitutional Order on Mail Voting

The Voter Participation Center (VPC) commends the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision to maintain a preliminary injunction on the U.S. Postal Service’s rule restricting mail voting. This decision blocks President Trump’s unconstitutional plan to restrict mail-in ballots in this year’s midterm elections. 

If permitted, this order would have imposed sweeping new federal controls by the executive branch over election administration. However, as a result of the Supreme Court’s intervention, all 50 states can proceed with their existing mail voting processes and programs — many of which are already under way as Election Day nears. 

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Tom Lopach, President and CEO of the Voter Participation Center, released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to halt President Trump’s illegal mail voting executive order is a victory for all Americans. Mail-in voting is a crucial feature of our elections, and this option must remain available for voters in elections this year and for cycles to come. 

“Sowing confusion in the middle of an election year creates chaos and muddles voters’ understanding of the electoral process. Even though this order was never implemented, it created fear and misunderstanding for voters — showing that even when restrictive voting policies are not in place, the effect is still that voters are intimidated.

“If permitted, the president’s plan would have been catastrophic for registered and eligible American voters who rely on mail-in voting to participate in elections. Such an order would disenfranchise millions of Americans, including the historically underrepresented groups that the Voter Participation Center serves — people of color, young people, and unmarried women. It would have also had a disproportionate effect on rural voters, the elderly, and disabled Americans. 

“The court previously ruled that the president does not have the authority to alter election law, and this executive order was yet another unlawful attempt by the administration to interfere with constitutional process — an insult to our nation and its voters.

“While we are heartened by the Supreme Court’s most recent decision, we must continue to ensure every eligible American has the tools they need to vote this November and beyond. We cannot allow the scare tactics of this administration to infringe on our rights as citizens. It is the responsibility of every voter across the country to stand up for free and fair elections.”

The Voter Participation Center is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and closing voter registration and turnout gaps. Since 2003, VPC has helped register millions of voters—particularly among historically underrepresented communities—and continues to run the nation’s largest mail-based and digital voter engagement programs.