PR26-115
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Issues Statement on Recent Ruling Upholding Block on Unlawful Changes to Mail Voting

Sacramento, Calif. –  California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied the Trump Administration’s request to stay, or pause, a recent federal court order blocking unlawful changes to mail voting adopted by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS): 

"This decision was the right one. Attacks on mail voting have the potential to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, violate citizens’ constitutional right to vote, and undercut our democracy”, said Secretary Weber. “California and its leaders will continue to protect voters’ rights and their ability to participate in free and fair elections."  

Trump’s second elections-related Executive Order, would require state and local election officials to redesign and reprint ballot envelopes, enroll millions of voters in a new and untested USPS system, and meet burdensome requirements that would allow USPS to refuse to deliver mail ballots that do not comply. 

While legal challenges regarding Mail Ballots continue through the courts, California's current election rules remain in effect. 

County elections officials will begin mailing ballots to registered voters no later than October 5.  

Voters are encouraged to make a plan to vote and check the official websites and social media pages of the California Office of the Secretary of State and their respective county election offices for the most important deadlines and trusted resources and updates. 

Key dates and deadlines for the November 3, 2026, General Election are available at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026/key-dates-deadlines. 

A full November 3, 2026, General Election Calendar is available at https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/election-guide/section-07-general-election-calendar.pdf. 

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