PRESS RELEASE
PR26-116
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2026
Contact: sospress@sos.ca.gov
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision Rejecting Mail-In Voting Restrictions Ahead of 2026 General Election
Sacramento, Calif. – Today, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to block the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from implementing drastic changes to mail voting ahead of the November 2026 General Election that would have disenfranchised millions of eligible voters.
The changes, which were mandated by President Trump’s second elections-related Executive Order, would have required 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.
"The ruling on mail-in ballots has been made. The uncertainty is behind us. Now, let the people vote! Voters will be able to cast their ballots without uncertainty, without hesitation, and without fear that their voices will be questioned or their ballots rejected," said Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. "The ability to participate in an election is more than a procedure; it is a symbol of the very freedoms that make our democracy the bedrock of America and an example for the rest of the world. Now, we can finally move forward and get back to what we do best: conducting our elections without a dark cloud hanging over us — fairly, openly, for the people, by the people. No questions asked."
Secretary Weber was joined by leaders throughout the country in applauding the victory, including California Attorney General Robert Bonta and California State Governor Gavin Newsom.
“After losing in the district and appellate courts, the Trump Administration has now lost at the U.S. Supreme Court. Today’s decision is a victory for our democracy and a powerful affirmation of the rule of law,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The stakes in this litigation could not have been higher. Voting is the fundamental right from which all other rights flow, and all 50 states allow ballots to be cast by mail in some form. In California and several other states, mail voting is the primary way elections are conducted. Had this rule been allowed to take effect, the consequences would have been catastrophic. We will remain vigilant in safeguarding our elections, and we urge every eligible voter to make their voice heard.”
“Today is a good day for democracy, the rule of law, and the American people looking to exercise their Constitutional right to vote. California stood up for democracy and we won,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Trump’s attacks on democracy these last 20 months have been nothing short of un-American. Finally, fifty days out, and the American people have certainty when it comes to our country’s electoral process: Voting is safe, vote-by-mail is accessible to any and all who need it. And I encourage every Californian to make their voice heard this November.”
County elections officials will begin mailing ballots to registered voters no later than October 5. Voters are encouraged to vote early.
V0ters are also encouraged to 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, 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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