Lawmakers expressed concerns during a congressional hearing regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to handle a large volume of mail-in ballots for the upcoming November election. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reassured the committee that the Postal Service is prepared to deliver ballots on time and ensure they are counted. He stated that nearly 100% of the ballots will be delivered promptly. However, members of the subcommittee criticized a 10-year plan to streamline mail processing centers, suggesting it could slow down mail delivery, especially in rural areas.
DeJoy emphasized that the Postal Service’s larger plans will not impact the handling of mail-in ballots for the November election, as the plan is on hold during that time. Subcommittee Chair David Joyce highlighted concerns from constituents about the Postal Service’s ability to deliver ballots securely and on time. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the Postal Service gets it right for the upcoming election, given its significance.
DeJoy assured lawmakers that the Postal Service’s 650,000 employees are prepared to handle the 300 million pieces of mail expected, including mail-in ballots. He mentioned improvements in training and the creation of a task force dedicated to addressing issues related to mail-in ballots. Despite criticism of the Postal Service’s handling of ballots in the past, DeJoy maintained that the system is reliable and trustworthy. He acknowledged that the system is imperfect but emphasized the efforts being made to ensure the delivery of mail-in ballots.
The scrutiny on the Postal Service intensified after concerns were raised by the National Association of Secretaries of State and National Association of State Election Directors. DeJoy acknowledged the concerns but expressed frustration with the method of communication, suggesting that a phone call would have been more appropriate. Lawmakers raised specific instances where mail-in ballots arrived too late to be counted, prompting further discussion on the Postal Service’s handling of election-related mail.
During the hearing, Democrats and Republicans raised varying concerns about the Postal Service’s reorganization plan and its potential impact on mail delivery. DeJoy defended the plan as necessary to modernize the Postal Service and improve efficiency. However, lawmakers from several states expressed reservations about the plan, citing previous slowdowns in mail delivery after regional hubs were consolidated. The discussion also touched on issues related to rural mail delivery and the need to ensure all Americans have timely access to postal services.
In conclusion, the hearing highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding the U.S. Postal Service’s readiness for the upcoming November election. While DeJoy reassured lawmakers of the Postal Service’s capabilities to handle mail-in ballots, questions were raised about the potential impact of larger restructuring plans on mail delivery. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of ensuring that ballots are delivered securely and on time, particularly given the expected high volume of mail-in voting for the presidential election. The discussion also delved into broader issues related to the Postal Service’s operations and the need to balance efficiency with ensuring reliable mail delivery for all Americans.
