Lawmakers expressed doubts about the U.S. Postal Service’s preparedness for handling a surge of mail-in ballots for the upcoming November election during a heated congressional hearing held on Thursday. Previous actions by the Postal Service have left some lawmakers feeling skeptical.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured a House Appropriations subcommittee that the Postal Service is equipped to handle the influx of mail-in ballots efficiently to ensure they are delivered on time for counting. Despite recent criticism from state and local election officials regarding mail delays and missing postmarks on ballots, DeJoy defended the Postal Service’s efforts to resolve these issues.
However, some subcommittee members raised concerns about a larger 10-year plan proposed by the Postal Service to streamline mail processing centers, which they fear could potentially slow down mail delivery, especially in rural areas. DeJoy refuted these claims during the hearing.
Subcommittee Chair David Joyce emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns about the Postal Service’s ability to handle mail-in ballots securely and on time given the upcoming presidential election.
DeJoy emphasized the Postal Service’s commitment to processing mail-in ballots efficiently and ensuring their timely delivery, highlighting improved training programs and a specialized task force dedicated to handling mail ballot issues.
Despite criticisms, DeJoy affirmed that the vast majority of mail-in ballots from previous elections were delivered within the recommended timeframe, instilling confidence in the reliability of mail-in voting.
The hearing also addressed other concerns related to the Postal Service’s reorganization plans and potential impacts on mail delivery efficiency, with lawmakers expressing varying opinions on the matter.
