The US Supreme Court considered on Wednesday an emergency request from state election officials seeking to block new Trump administration rules restricting mail-in ballots. The November midterms are less than 90 days away, and officials warned that delay would disrupt voting preparations already under way.

The dispute stems from a federal directive tightening requirements for mail-in and absentee ballots, including new signature-verification and dating standards. A coalition of Democratic-led states and voting rights groups argued the rules exceeded federal authority and would disenfranchise voters. Lower courts issued conflicting rulings, prompting the appeal to the justices.

Election administrators in several states told the court they needed clarity before printing ballots and finalising procedures for the autumn contests. Attorneys for the challengers said the timing left little room for error, noting that many jurisdictions begin mailing ballots in September.

The Justice Department defended the rules as a lawful measure to protect election integrity. Republican officials backed the administration's position, while Democratic attorneys general said the changes threatened access for older and rural voters.

The outcome carries broad implications for how millions of Americans cast ballots in November, when control of both chambers of Congress is at stake. The justices could rule within days or refer the matter for fuller briefing. A spokesperson for the Brennan Center for Justice, which supported the challengers, said a prompt decision was essential to give states certainty ahead of early voting.