US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro
The US Postal Service is our country's most popular agency, delivering the mail, medicine, checks, and supplies we need to weather this pandemic and recession. As states expand their vote-by-mail programs, the agency also plays an increasingly central role in our elections.
Yet even this vital institution is not safe from the Trump administration's incompetence and meddling.
Since being installed as postmaster general, Louis DeJoy -- a major donor with no postal experience -- has slowed down mail delivery by reducing overtime, removing mailboxes and sorting machines, and ordering some mail to be left overnight at processing facilities. Thirty-four states require ballots to be received -- not just postmarked -- by Election Day, meaning many may show up too late to be counted unless these policies are reversed.
What You Can Do
The House has already voted to supply the Postal Service with $25 billion in direct emergency relief. The House's bill would reverse the recent service restrictions and ensure expedited processing of mail-in ballots.
Eight Republican senators have joined Democrats in supporting legislation to provide the Postal Service with the funds it needs to withstand this crisis. A majority exists in Congress --it's now up to us to convince our senators to act!
Share Your Story
Almost everyone has received something they value in the mail, and with the pandemic requiring social distancing for public safety, more people than ever are preparing to vote by mail this year. The harmful changes to the operations of the Postal Service will directly affect hundreds of millions of Americans like you.
By sharing your story, you can compel your senators to act on the urgent needs of their constituents. We may share these stories online and with our coalition partners working to defend the post office.
Watch
Be inspired by others' stories!
Jack from TN
Kay from CA
Jaspreet from CA
Hillary from CO
Jeff from MA
Joseph from SC
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