The U.S. Supreme Court declined to pause a lower-court order blocking a new U.S. Postal Service rule for mail-in ballots, leaving the injunction in effect through the November election, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James and a coalition sued over the rule Aug. 26 and obtained a temporary restraining order the following day. A court issued a preliminary injunction Sept. 4, extending the block while the litigation continues.
The Supreme Court's decision not to stay that injunction means the challenged rule will remain blocked for the election. The attorney general's release did not describe the rule's specific provisions or identify the other members of the coalition.
James said the last-minute change could have disrupted the election and left voters uncertain whether legally cast ballots would be counted. She said her office would continue working to protect eligible mail ballots.
The decision does not end the underlying lawsuit. The preliminary injunction preserves the current arrangement while the courts consider the challenge.
James encouraged eligible voters to participate and vote early. Her office characterized the Supreme Court's action as a victory for mail-in voting rights.
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