The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the nationwide implementation of an executive order aimed at tightening rules for mail-in voting. This request comes ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine the control of Congress.
The emergency appeal follows a federal appeals court decision to uphold a lower court ruling that blocked the order in 23 states, representing nearly half the country. The lower court had previously ruled that the president lacked the authority to change state election rules.
The court rulings were based on concerns that the order could spark mass voter disenfranchisement and cause potentially disruptive election changes. This executive order is part of a wider effort by President Trump to remake U.S. elections.