WASHINGTON (August 25, 2026) – New U.S. Postal Service rules could significantly change how mail-in ballots are handled ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. Under the new requirements, states would have to provide USPS with lists of voters receiving mail ballots and use new tracking and verification measures, while ballots from states that do not comply could potentially go undelivered. The changes could affect how millions of Americans cast their ballots by mail and create uncertainty for voters and election administrators as Election Day approaches.
Faculty experts at George Washington University are available to offer insight and analysis on these developments. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu (skylers[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is a longtime public servant and higher education leader who has extensive experience tackling critical political and social issues throughout her career. She is the executive director of the GW Graduate School of Political Management.
Todd Belt is a professor at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. His research and writing focus on the mass media, public opinion, the presidency, campaigns, and elections.
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