The U.S. Postal Service has reopened all of its mail processing centers in areas of Florida and North Carolina affected by recent hurricanes. The agency held a briefing to assure voters and election officials that they are prepared to handle mail ballots ahead of the upcoming election. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the Postal Service reported that the majority of election-related mail was delivered within a reasonable timeframe.
Steven Monteith, a Postal Service executive vice president, stated that all processing centers in North Carolina and Florida were back in operation as of Tuesday. While there are still some addresses in these states that may experience delays in mail delivery, the Postal Service has made efforts to ensure that mail can be delivered to the majority of locations. Additionally, measures have been taken to accommodate voters in areas heavily affected by the hurricanes.
In North Carolina, early in-person voting has started strong, and election officials are working to make voting as accessible as possible for those impacted by the storms. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has extended early voting in certain counties and adjusted deadlines for sending out mail ballots. The Postal Service has moved retail sites and mobile units to impacted areas in both states to facilitate mail delivery during the recovery process.
Postal Service officials are advising voters to mail their ballots at least seven days in advance to ensure on-time delivery. Utah’s Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who oversees elections in her state, mentioned some issues with mail ballots not being postmarked on time but highlighted the efforts of postal workers to prioritize timely delivery. Henderson emphasized the importance of voters taking responsibility for mailing their ballots early to avoid any potential issues.
While concerns were raised in September about the Postal Service’s ability to handle mail ballots, reassurances have been provided by officials in various states, including Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. Schwab reported instances of ballots arriving late or lacking postmarks in the state’s August primary election but expressed confidence in the Postal Service’s commitment to resolving issues. Simon highlighted the need for the Postal Service to be on high alert in the weeks leading up to the election.
Overall, the Postal Service is working to ensure that election-related mail is processed efficiently and delivered on time to voters across the country. With the election approaching, officials are urging voters to send their ballots early and to stay informed about any updates or changes in mail delivery services. The collaboration between election officials and the Postal Service is crucial in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process.
