With Mail-In Rules Uncertain, Here’s How Californians Can Prepare to Vote in November

September 14, 2026

California is embroiled in a legal dispute with the Trump administration over federal control of mail-in voting, though state officials assure residents that voting by mail will remain available for the upcoming election. President Trump issued an executive order requiring the U.S. Postal Service to create a federal voter database and restrict ballot delivery to verified eligible voters, prompting lawsuits from over 20 Democratic states who argue this violates constitutional authority over elections. While the Supreme Court weighs the matter, California election officials are proceeding with normal preparations, including mailing ballots by the October 5 deadline and establishing backup options like drop boxes and mobile voting stations.

Who is affected

California voters
County election officials and registrars across California
Santa Cruz County and Los Angeles County election offices
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber
California Attorney General Rob Bonta
More than 20 Democratic states and their attorneys general
U.S. Postal Service employees
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal's office
The California Voter Foundation and voting rights advocates

What action is being taken

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the case and is poised to issue a ruling
California counties are preparing to mail ballots by the state's October 5 deadline
County registrars are monitoring court rulings
Santa Cruz and Los Angeles counties are exploring pop-up stations where voters can request and submit ballots
Santa Cruz County is strategizing how to deploy their votemobile around the county
Local and state officials are urging voters to make a plan to vote early
The postal service is continuing to plan for implementation of the president's order
Democratic states are actively suing to contest the postal service's plans

Why it matters

This case has significant constitutional implications as it challenges the fundamental question of whether the federal government can control election administration, which has traditionally been the domain of Congress and state governments. The outcome could affect how millions of Californians and voters nationwide cast their ballots in the midterm elections. The legal uncertainty has created confusion among voters and election officials, potentially undermining public confidence in the electoral process. However, the controversy is also encouraging earlier voting, which could improve election administration efficiency by allowing faster ballot processing and quicker result tabulation on election night.

What's next

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling that will determine whether Trump can force the U.S. Postal Service to restrict vote-by-mail ballots in time for the midterm election
Ballots will be going out in less than a month
California counties plan to mail ballots by the state's October 5 deadline
The November 3 election will proceed
If the postal service's rule is upheld, some states may need to reprint ballot envelopes (though most California counties already use compliant envelopes)

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint