ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 7, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman urged the United States Postal Service (USPS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would require states to submit voter lists before federal mail-in ballots could be delivered, warning that the proposal threatens state authority over elections, creates unnecessary administrative burdens, and could prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots.
In comments submitted to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner on July 2, 2026, during the agency’s public comment period, Comptroller Lierman argued that the proposed rule would improperly insert USPS into decisions about voter eligibility, a responsibility reserved for state election officials.
“Election integrity and accessibility are central to our democracy, and Maryland has worked hard to ensure that eligible voters can participate safely, securely, and conveniently in our elections,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “The proposal by USPS creates new barriers for voters while placing costly and unnecessary burdens on state and local election officials. Election administration is a responsibility entrusted to the states, and I urge USPS to withdraw this proposal.”
The proposed rule would require state election officials to provide USPS with lists of voters who have requested mail-in or absentee ballots at least 30 days before ballots are mailed. This requirement would condition the delivery of ballots on whether a voter appears on the provided list.
In her comments, Comptroller Lierman said that the proposal exceeds USPS’s statutory authority by placing the agency in a role reserved for state election officials.
She also warned that the proposal could disenfranchise eligible voters if ballots are delayed or withheld because of administrative errors, data mismatches, or differences between state election timelines and federal mailing requirements.
Mail-in voting has become an important voting option for Marylanders. Since its expansion in 2020, approximately one-quarter of eligible Maryland voters have cast their ballots by mail during general elections, underscoring the importance of maintaining reliable and accessible vote-by-mail procedures.
A copy of the Comptroller’s formal comment submitted to USPS is available here.
