Trump administration appeals latest ruling blocking his mail voting order from taking effect

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is appealing a judge's ruling that blocked limitations on mail voting before the midterm elections, the latest twist in a court fight unfolding days before the first states commence sending out mail ballots for the pivotal November elections.

What happened

Notably, the notice of appeal filed Friday comes after a federal judge in Boston handed down a new decision blocking implementation of an executive order from President Donald Trump for the next two weeks.

In practice, the Supreme Court previously allowed the plan to move ahead on procedural grounds, but hasn't decided whether it's legal. The U.S. Though it could shortly be back before the nation's highest court, 1st Circuit Court of Appeals will next consider the case.

Under Trump's executive order, the U.S. Postal Service could refuse to deliver ballots from states that do not submit lists of eligible voters and follow a uniform envelope style. The White House calls the plan a set of "commonsense measures" aimed at protecting ballot security, and calls the order blocking it "unreasoned and unlawful."

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around trump administration appeals latest ruling blocking his mail voting order from taking point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.