Midterm mail ballots start to go to voters as litigation over Trump's order creates uncertainty

Voting in this year’s midterm elections began amid a churning legal battle pitting blue states and voting rights groups against the Trump administration, which wants major new limits on mail ballots. North Carolina on Friday was scheduled to become one of the first states to send out absentee ballots, and officials said it will be business as usual. (AP video shot by: Allen G. Breed)

Wake County Board of Elections employees prepare absentee ballots to be mailed on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Ramey)

Envelopes for mail-in ballots at the Wake County Board of Elections are seen on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Ramey)

Wake County Board of Elections employees prepare absentee ballots to be mailed on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Ramey)

Olivia McCall, director of the Wake County Board of Elections, watches over employees preparing absentee ballots to be mailed on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Ramey)