Washington, DC, September 1, 2026 National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) announced today that it has filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts urging the court to prevent implementation of new federal ballot-mail requirements that threaten the voting rights of military members, diplomats, their families, and other Americans living overseas.
NSL4A’s brief supports motions for a preliminary injunction challenging Section 3 of Executive Order 14,399 and the U.S. Postal Service’s recently issued Final Rule governing ballot mail for federal elections. The brief argues that the new barcode-and-enrollment requirements conflict with protections Congress established under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
“Military members, diplomats, and their families already face extraordinary challenges casting ballots from distant duty stations and overseas posts,” said Daniel C. Schwartz, Chair of NSL4A’s Legal Advisory Committee. “USPS now proposes to introduce an untested system just weeks before an election, without a workable process to ensure UOCAVA ballots are properly identified and delivered. Americans serving their country should never lose their vote because of bureaucratic confusion or an avoidable failure in the mail system.”
With states required to begin transmitting UOCAVA ballots by September 19, NSL4A warns that implementing the new requirements now risks confusion, delays, and the irreversible loss of lawful votes. The brief asks the court to preserve existing ballot-mail procedures for the 2026 election so military members, diplomats, and their families can cast their ballots with confidence that their votes will reach election officials and be counted.
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About National Security Leaders for America
National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) is a nonpartisan network of over 1,500 senior national security professionals—retired admirals, generals, senior enlisted leaders, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilian service officials—from across the political spectrum who are united in defense of American democracy. Founded in 2021, NSL4A is a 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for democratic values, institutions, and leaders who uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Our members offer expert, real-world insights on the national security implications of election integrity, civil-military relations, and democratic resilience.
Media Contact: CommDirector@nsl4a.org