Summary
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy addressed concerns regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) ability to handle mail-in ballots during a congressional hearing on September 26, 2024. Lawmakers expressed unease about potential delays affecting ballot delivery for the upcoming presidential election, citing past issues that disenfranchised voters.
During the hearing, DeJoy emphasized that the USPS is prepared to manage the expected influx of mail ballots and asserted that nearly 100% of ballots would be delivered on time. Despite this assurance, lawmakers raised concerns about a larger 10-year plan aimed at restructuring the Postal Service, which they fear could result in slower mail delivery, particularly in rural areas. DeJoy countered these claims by highlighting improvements made since the 2020 election, including enhanced training for staff and the establishment of a year-round task force dedicated to mail ballot issues. However, lawmakers pointed to recent reports of delayed deliveries and procedural lapses, raising alarms about the potential for ballots to arrive too late to be counted.
Key Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
- Delivery Delays: Lawmakers reported that the consolidation of mail processing centers has led to significant drops in on-time deliveries, particularly in states like Georgia, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Past Election Issues: Concerns were heightened by instances where ballots arrived late or without postmarks, leading to disenfranchisement during previous elections.
- Call for Assurances: Election officials and lawmakers are urging voters to mail their ballots at least seven days before Election Day to ensure timely delivery, despite USPS claims that over 99% of ballots are delivered within seven days.
USPS Response and Future Outlook
DeJoy reiterated the Postal Service’s commitment to improving mail delivery and maintaining efficient operations, stating that the agency’s strategies are yielding positive results amid declining inflation rates. He also mentioned that the USPS is actively engaging in measures to prioritize mail-in ballots, including special handling to expedite their delivery. Nonetheless, the hearing underscored the ongoing tension between lawmakers and USPS leadership regarding the reliability of mail-in voting as the election approaches.
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