Oregon Challenges Trump's Order Restricting Vote-by-Mail

Attorney General Dan Rayfield joins 22 other states in lawsuit against federal order that would give USPS power over mail-in ballots.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order from President Trump that would limit voting by mail. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to create verified voter lists using federal data, which would then be transferred to states to determine voter eligibility. Rayfield argues this weaponizes the U.S. Postal Service by giving it the power to decide who receives a mail-in ballot, which he says is unconstitutional.

Why it matters

The lawsuit argues the executive order violates the separation of powers by encroaching on states' authority to conduct elections. Critics say the order could create 'confusion, chaos and distrust' in state elections and potentially disenfranchise eligible voters. Oregon has had mail-in voting since 1998 with very few cases of fraud.

The details

The lawsuit, joined by 22 other attorneys general and the governor of Pennsylvania, argues the executive order violates the Constitution by giving the federal government control over mail-in voting, which is traditionally run by states. The order would require states to upend their existing election procedures and conduct voter education efforts on short notice before upcoming elections.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on March 31, 2026.
  • Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed the lawsuit on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Dan Rayfield

The Attorney General of Oregon who filed the lawsuit against President Trump's executive order.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who issued the executive order to limit voting by mail.

Tina Kotek

The Governor of Oregon who issued a press release in support of the lawsuit.

Abigail Jackson

A White House spokesperson who defended the executive order.

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What they’re saying

“The United States Postal Service has one job: to deliver the mail. President Trump is trying to give it a second one — deciding which Americans get a ballot. That is not the postal service's role, it is not the federal government's role, and it is not constitutional.”

— Dan Rayfield, Attorney General of Oregon

“Today, Oregon is moving to block President Trump's unconstitutional voter suppression effort. His attack on the fundamental right of every American to vote has nothing to do with election integrity and everything to do with silencing people so he can ultimately influence election results.”

— Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon

“Only Democrat politicians and operatives would be upset about lawful efforts to secure American elections and ensure only eligible American citizens are casting ballots. President Trump campaigned on securing our elections and the American people sent him back to the White House to get the job done.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Oregon and 22 other states will now go through the legal process to determine the constitutionality of President Trump's executive order.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between states' rights and federal authority when it comes to election administration. It also underscores the deep partisan divide over mail-in voting, with Democrats accusing Republicans of voter suppression and Republicans claiming they are simply trying to secure election integrity.