OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington state leaders are reacting to a ruling that will preserve mail-in voting ahead of mid-terms.

A federal judge in Boston blocked President Trump’s attempt to tighten mail-in rules voting Thursday, June 25.

The president signed an executive order in March requiring states to provide voter registration lists to the federal government or face penalties. The postmaster general later said the U.S. Postal Service would not deliver mail-in ballots in states that refused to turn over those lists.

Washington co-led a multi-state lawsuit in response to the order, arguing that their mail-in systems have proven to be safe and effective.

The judge’s ruling declared that the federal government, including USPS, does not have the constitutional authority to follow through with the president’s order.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs applauded the decision, calling it a win for free and fair elections. Hobbs had previously come out against the president on this issue, denouncing federal interference in state elections.