Kathmandu— The Trump administration has renewed its appeal to the Supreme Court to allow new restrictions on mail ballots in time for the upcoming midterms. The filing comes after a district court judge extended an order against the Postal Service enforcing President Donald Trump’s executive order for the November elections. With ballots already being mailed in several states, the legal wrangling leaves little time for significant changes in mail ballot rules.

Legal Appeal and Timeline

Democratic states and voting rights groups argue that the changes are unconstitutional. The ACLU, for example, stated, 'With fewer than 60 days to go before the November election, there is not a shred of evidence that states could comply with it without disenfranchising voters who rely on mail ballots.'

Administration’s Position

The Trump administration has framed the restrictions as commonsense changes that are within its power to regulate the mail. In a statement, Sauer said, 'The best way to address respondents’ fears about inability to comply with the Rule is to grant an immediate administrative stay of the order, followed by a full stay pending further review.' He added that the Postal Service will not play any role in determining voter eligibility, maintaining voter rolls, or counting ballots. 'Eligibility for mail-in and absentee voting will continue to be governed by state law and state and local officials will determine who is eligible to use the method and which ballots are eligible to be counted.'

Opposition and Implications

The ACLU, among others, has criticized the administration’s stance, stating that the Postal Service rule is unconstitutional and unlawful. Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said, 'Put plainly, this administration is racing to the Supreme Court to demand the right to enforce a rule that has no purpose other than to create chaos, undermine election integrity, and rob eligible voters of their essential right to make their voices heard in our democracy.'

The legal battle over mail ballot restrictions continues, with the Supreme Court's decision potentially impacting the upcoming midterms. States are already sending out mail ballots, leaving little time for significant changes.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.