Lawmakers expressed concerns during a congressional hearing about the U.S. Postal Service's preparedness for handling a surge of mail-in ballots for the upcoming November election. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured a House Appropriations subcommittee that the Postal Service is equipped to manage the influx of ballots and ensure they reach election officials in a timely manner, with nearly 100% expected to be delivered promptly.
DeJoy refuted claims from state and local election officials that the Postal Service has not adequately addressed issues that previously caused delays in mail ballot deliveries. However, some subcommittee members raised apprehensions about the Postal Service's broader plan to streamline mail processing centers, fearing it could potentially slow down mail delivery, especially in rural areas. DeJoy contested these concerns, emphasizing that the plan would not impact the handling of mail-in ballots for the November 5 election as it is temporarily on hold.
Despite DeJoy's reassurances, subcommittee Chair David Joyce highlighted the significance of ensuring secure and timely delivery of election ballots, citing constituents' worries as the presidential election draws near. DeJoy informed lawmakers that the Postal Service's extensive workforce of 650,000 employees is prepared to meticulously sort through 300 million pieces of mail to intercept any stray ballots and guarantee their punctual delivery. He also mentioned enhancements in employee training to improve efficiency.
While DeJoy acknowledged that the Postal Service's efforts are not flawless, he emphasized their commitment to successfully managing the substantial volume of mail-in ballots expected for the upcoming election. The subcommittee underscored the critical importance of the Postal Service executing its responsibilities accurately to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
