The United States Postal Service issued new guidelines Friday for distributing mail-in and absentee ballots ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The 95-page final rule, scheduled for official publication August 26, directs states to notify USPS at least 60 days before the election if they will submit lists of eligible voters based on citizenship data. Only states that comply will have ballots mailed to residents through the service.

The policy implements aspects of President Trump's March executive order aimed at ensuring citizenship verification and election integrity. Postmaster General David Steiner previously told senators the changes would guarantee the right ballots reach the right people.

Under the rule, USPS will not transmit ballots unless states provide the required voter information. States retain control over eligibility determinations under their own laws, and the Postal Service will not maintain voter rolls or count ballots.

The announcement follows a proposed rule published in June and comes amid ongoing legal challenges. Federal courts in California and Massachusetts have issued injunctions blocking parts of the related executive order, though USPS has noted the rules could take effect if those blocks are lifted.

Election officials in participating states must also redesign ballot envelopes with specific barcodes for tracking. The guidelines apply to federal elections and emphasize timely mailing, with recommendations to send completed ballots well before deadlines.

Critics argue the requirements create unnecessary hurdles for mail voting, while supporters say they strengthen safeguards against ineligible ballots. The rule takes effect August 21 but remains subject to court review as states prepare for the midterms.

USPS maintains it will continue accepting and delivering ballot mail from election officials and voters in line with the new standards where applicable.