SCOTUS blocks President Trump’s executive order on mail-in ballots

WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has blocked a new postal service rule governing mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections.

In a brief order Monday, SCOTUS rejected the Trump Administration's request to put the rule into effect while a legal challenge continues.

The decision appeared to be 7-to-2, with conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting.

The rule would have required states to provide voter information to the postal service for verification and comply with news ballot-envelope requirements.

Opponents, including states and voting-rights groups, warned the changes could disrupt the election and make it harder for voters to receive and return ballots.

The ruling comes just weeks before states begin sending out mail ballots.

Justice Alito argued the federal government had the stronger legal case, but said implementation concerns did not change his position.