On Aug. 23 the US Postal Service issued a rule requiring states to submit lists
of mail‑ballot applicants and to place unique barcodes containing voter name and
address on outgoing and return ballot envelopes for verification and tracking.
USPS said the collected data will be kept separate from state voter rolls and
used to assist enforcement of federal law. The rule is currently enjoined by the
courts and will not take effect until the injunction is lifted. The change comes
ahead of midterm elections that will determine control of both chambers; the US
Supreme Court in June rejected a Republican emergency request, and some local
jurisdictions continue to count ballots postmarked by election day even if
delivered late.
