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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 1, 2026San Diego

Whistleblower alleges USPS election technology is untested and risks ballot delivery delays

A whistleblower report warns that the U.S. Postal Service's new online portal for processing mail-in ballot data is insufficiently tested and could cause widespread ballot delivery failures. While a federal court has currently blocked the implementation of the underlying executive order, the agency continues to prepare the system for potential use in the midterm elections.

electionsUSPSvoting rightswhistleblowerlitigation
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Why It Matters

The potential failure of this system could prevent eligible voters from receiving their mail-in ballots on time, directly impacting the administration of the midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • A whistleblower claims the USPS online portal for mail-in ballot verification is untested and risks catastrophic failure.
  • The USPS set a 'zero-percent failure policy' for verifying ballot requirements, which critics argue could cause thousands of ballots to be delayed in verification cycles.
  • A federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the USPS plan, ruling the agency likely lacks the authority to control mail-in voting.
  • The Trump administration has appealed the federal court's restraining order to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • The USPS project was targeted for a September 1 implementation date.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal submitted the whistleblower disclosure to the USPS on Monday.
  • The online portal is designed to allow state election officials to submit absentee voter names and ballot envelope barcodes.

Who's Mentioned

organizationU.S. Postal Service“Federal agency developing the contested election technology.”personDonald Trump“President who issued the executive order regarding mail-in voting.”organization1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals“Court currently reviewing the appeal of the temporary restraining order.”organizationWhistleblower Aid“Nonprofit organization representing the anonymous whistleblower.”personRichard Blumenthal“Democratic Senator from Connecticut who submitted the whistleblower disclosure.”personDavid Steiner“Postmaster General.”