Court Fight Escalates Over Trump Mail Voting Order As Judge Questions Both Sides Before Any Ruling

Judge Carl Nichols questioned officials on legality—without ruling

Democrats and civil rights groups urged federal judge Carl Nichols to block President Donald Trump’s March 31 executive order restricting mail voting, arguing the president cannot rewrite election rules that the Constitution assigns to states and Congress. Nichols heard arguments but made no ruling from the bench. The challenge comes as primaries run and election officials prepare for fall midterms. Lawyers say the order would pressure states to limit ballot access, while the Justice Department calls the case “shadowboxing” before required lists are created.