Concerns Mount Over Postal Service Delays Impacting Election Ballots

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, election officials and lawmakers are increasingly alarmed about potential delays in mail delivery that could jeopardize the counting of thousands of ballots. A recent meeting with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has highlighted ongoing issues, including "exceptionally long delivery times," ballots being held for billing issues, and an uptick in mail being returned as undeliverable.

The Meeting: A Call for Assurance

In a letter sent last month, state election officials expressed their concerns to DeJoy regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) performance. They reported significant delays and issues that could hinder voters’ ability to cast their ballots effectively. During a House hearing on September 26, DeJoy assured lawmakers that over 99% of ballots are delivered within seven days, albeit slightly longer than the USPS’s goal of three to five days for first-class mail. He emphasized that USPS staff are making "extraordinary efforts" to ensure timely delivery, including prioritizing ballots in the mail stream.

However, many lawmakers remain skeptical. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) articulated the sentiment of many when he stated, “Voters should never have to worry about if their ballot will be postmarked on time or if their ballot will reach their election center in time to be counted.” This concern is particularly pressing given the potential for a close presidential contest.

The Surge in Mail-in Voting

The urgency surrounding mail-in ballots has been amplified by the significant increase in absentee voting since the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of mailed ballots more than doubled from 2016 to 2020, with over 66 million ballots cast by mail in the last presidential election. This shift towards mail-in voting has been embraced by many voters seeking convenience, as noted by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who remarked, “They want to vote from their couch. It’s convenient for them and their families.”

Despite this growing trend, concerns about the reliability of mail-in voting persist. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about his skepticism regarding the Postal Service, labeling it a “poorly run mess” and questioning its ability to handle the upcoming election.

Rising Undeliverable Mail Rates

Another alarming trend is the increasing rate of mail being returned as undeliverable. Election officials have reported that mail sent to voters, including ballots and informational mailers, is being returned at higher-than-usual rates, even when the recipients have not moved. This issue could lead to voters missing their ballots or being removed from registration rolls, a situation that Simon described as “a really big deal.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) has called for an investigation into these delivery issues, particularly after Fulton County discovered that a significant number of court-related mailings failed to reach their intended recipients. The implications of these delivery problems could be severe, potentially disenfranchising voters.

The Risk of Late Ballots

With most states requiring that mailed ballots arrive by Election Day, the stakes are high. Some states allow a grace period for ballots postmarked by Election Day, but many do not. A recent report indicated that the Postal Service delivered only 85.6% of first-class mail within two days, falling short of its goal of 93%. This raises concerns that millions of ballots could arrive too late to be counted.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab highlighted this risk, noting that nearly 1,000 ballots from the August primary could not be counted because they arrived after the state’s grace period. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “That’s why we’re sounding the alarm now.”

Legislative Responses and Legal Challenges

In response to these concerns, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed lawsuits aimed at ensuring that only ballots arriving by Election Day are counted. This legal action contrasts with state laws that allow for grace periods, particularly affecting voters who may be overseas or in the military.

As the legal battles unfold, election officials and lawmakers are urging voters to mail their ballots at least a week before Election Day to mitigate the risk of delays. Simon reassured voters that mail-in voting remains a secure option, despite the challenges posed by the Postal Service.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the election draws near, the message from election officials is clear: voters should take proactive steps to ensure their ballots are counted. Mailing ballots early and confirming their arrival with local election offices can help alleviate some of the concerns surrounding postal delays. With the stakes higher than ever, it is crucial for voters to remain informed and engaged in the electoral process, ensuring that their voices are heard in this pivotal election.