US Postmaster General Testifies Before Congress on Election Mail Security
WASHINGTON – During a Congressional hearing, US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured voters that their mail-in ballots would be secure and prioritized. However, DeJoy emphasized the importance of mailing ballots at least a week ahead of state deadlines to ensure timely delivery by the US Postal Service.
DeJoy’s testimony to House lawmakers generated intense discussion, particularly around potential delays in mail delivery and concerns about voter disenfranchisement. DeJoy also raised questions about USPS facilities, referring to them as “ratty” during the lengthy hearing, which some members found frustrating.
Trust in USPS
Despite the critical scrutiny, DeJoy reiterated that Americans could trust USPS to handle their election mail efficiently. He highlighted the agency’s past performance, stating they delivered 99.89% of mail-in ballots within seven days during the 2020 election.
DeJoy acknowledged challenges related to state laws that might impact the timely delivery of mail-in ballots. He stressed the need for adjustments in USPS operations to improve service metrics and ensure reliable performance.
Facility Concerns Addressed
DeJoy candidly discussed the condition of USPS facilities during the hearing, expressing a desire to enhance training and operational practices. While some remarks about the facilities raised eyebrows, he affirmed USPS’ commitment to improving service quality.
Questions from lawmakers also focused on the impact of USPS operational changes on rural communities and mail delivery times, particularly during elections. DeJoy assured that USPS would maintain a six-day delivery schedule and strive to expedite mail processing.
Assurances for Future Elections
As states prepare to distribute millions of mail-in ballots for upcoming elections, DeJoy emphasized USPS’ dedication to improving service reliability and efficiency. He reassured lawmakers that steps were being taken to prevent past issues from recurring and to ensure timely ballot delivery.
Despite challenges faced by USPS, DeJoy remained optimistic about the agency’s ability to handle election mail effectively. He pledged ongoing enhancements to operations and service quality to meet the high demand for mail-in voting.