Can I vote by mail where I live?

What's happening federally

• Whether you can vote by mail is still set by your state. The federal fight is about how ballots move through the mail.
• Request early, return early. If your state has drop boxes or in-person return, use them and skip the Postal Service entirely.
• Track your ballot on your state's tracker so you know it arrived.

1. Sep 2026PendingMulti-state challenge and a temporary pause

   Twenty-four states filed a new suit against the USPS rule after the earlier injunction fell. A separate temporary pause has been in and out of effect since. Several states began mailing ballots without following the new envelope and list rules. Votebeat

2. Wed, Aug 26In effectLast injunction lifted; USPS says rule applies Nov. 3

   A district court dissolved the remaining block. The Postal Service announced the restrictions would be enforced for the general election. U.S. News

3. Aug 2026In effectSupreme Court lets the order proceed

   The Court allowed the administration to move forward while litigation continues. It did not rule on whether the order is lawful. SCOTUSblog

4. Mar 2026BackgroundExecutive order signed

   Directed USPS to deliver mail ballots only to voters on state-submitted lists, in barcoded envelopes reviewed by the federal government. States and voting groups sued within days. Votebeat

Timeline updated September 9, 2026. Hand-maintained; see how this site works.