Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reassured the American public that the U.S. Postal Service is well-prepared to handle the influx of election mail for the upcoming election. DeJoy highlighted the changes that the Postal Service has undergone, including the opening of large hubs, to ensure timely delivery of mail-in ballots. The Postal Service will be pausing some of these changes before the election to prevent any interference with its performance. DeJoy expressed confidence in the Postal Service’s readiness for the election and encouraged the American people to be confident as well. This marks a significant improvement from four years ago when the Postal Service faced criticism for alleged efforts to undermine the election.
DeJoy emphasized the importance of effective communication in ensuring that the public is aware of the Postal Service’s capabilities and readiness for the election. He acknowledged that the Postal Service needed to be more assertive in its messaging to counter any misinformation and doubts. Postal Service officials provided details to news reporters on the measures being taken to ensure that election mail reaches its destinations promptly. They highlighted the Postal Service’s past performance in handling election mail and expressed a goal to further improve delivery rates for the upcoming election.
The lack of drama surrounding the Postal Service’s preparations for the election is a stark contrast to the controversies and challenges it faced four years ago. During the 2020 presidential election, the Postal Service encountered backlogs and accusations of voter suppression, leading to intense scrutiny. DeJoy faced criticism for his handling of postal operations, including restricting overtime payments for workers and making changes to mail delivery practices. Despite the backlash, the Postal Service managed to deliver a large volume of mail-in ballots efficiently.
U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, a vocal critic of DeJoy’s changes, expressed confidence in the Postal Service’s ability to deliver mail-in ballots securely. However, he stressed the importance of oversight by Congress to ensure that decisions made by the postmaster general do not impede the electoral process. The Postal Service is moving forward with a modernization plan that includes upgrading facilities, opening new regional hubs, and acquiring new delivery vehicles. DeJoy encouraged the public to vote early and avoid procrastination when it comes to mailing their ballots to support the Postal Service’s efforts.
DeJoy reflected on the challenges he faced when he first took over as postmaster general, noting the intense scrutiny and criticism he received. He emphasized his commitment to improving the Postal Service and working with both sides of the aisle to enhance its performance. The Postal Service’s ability to adapt and make adjustments, such as abandoning a controversial mail processing plan, demonstrates its responsiveness to public concerns. DeJoy’s message to the public is clear: the Postal Service is prepared for the upcoming election, and he encourages voters to have confidence in its ability to deliver election mail efficiently.
