The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Sept. 26, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
GOP challenges to state laws allowing the counting of properly postmarked mail ballots after the election takes on more significance when considering chronic U.S. Postal Service delays. U.S election officials are worried.
Trump-appointed U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced consolidation of another 30 central sorting facilities earlier this year, of an expected 150 such closings. DeJoy has since delayed the closings until January 2025.
But in a joint letter September 17th, the National Association of Secretaries of State, and the National Association of State Election Directors pointed out lapses in USPS delivery standards. QUOTE, “In nearly every state . . . local election officials are receiving timely postmarked ballots well after Election Day and well outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the First-Class delivery standard.”
Other problems cited include poor training and a perceived lack of action from USPS management. A Kansas election official quoted in the Guardian noted ballots delivered on time, but without postmarks, invalidating them under Kansas law. To criticism that the USPS is unprepared for the election, Postmaster General DeJoy told a reporter, “They’re wrong.” Unquote.
Voting by mail is still safe, secure and convenient. Allowing 10 days for delivery, and curing of any ballot problems will help make sure your vote counts.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – GOP Challenge to Mississippi Mail Ballot Deadline Law Likely to Set Up U.S. Supreme Court Challenge with National Consequences
U.S. Postal Service – Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Defines Change Imperative and Touts Modernization Progress in 2024 National Postal Forum Keynote
U.S. Postal Service – List of Sorting Centers Under Review for Closure or Consolidation
National Association of State Election Directors – NASED, NASS, and Local Election Official Associations Send Joint Letter to USPS Postmaster General
The Guardian – US Postal Service delays threaten to disrupt election voting, officials say
The 19th – Voting by mail? Election workers are worried about issues at the Postal Service
Groups Taking Action:
Save the Post Office, Vote at Home Institute, Public Citizen
Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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