Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced questions from representatives on Thursday regarding the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) preparedness for the upcoming presidential election. Testifying before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, DeJoy was questioned about whether or not the USPS is ready to manage the expected surge in mail-in ballots.
The National Association of State Election Directors, among other groups, has expressed concern about USPS’s ability to process millions of ballots. These worries stem from past elections where issues arose, prompting lawmakers to seek reassurances from DeJoy.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) asked DeJoy if USPS has protocols in place to prevent delays in delivering ballots. DeJoy responded that while the Postal Service is going through significant organizational changes, it must be more proactive in anticipating problems. “We have to ensure we’re ahead of potential issues, not waiting for them to occur,” DeJoy stated.
Hinson reiterated that voters expect their ballots to be delivered without issue, saying, “Voters need certainty, not excuses.” DeJoy replied that USPS is committed to delivering ballots on time and has a strong track record of doing so. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) also pressed DeJoy on whether voters can trust mail-in ballots, to which DeJoy confidently replied, “Absolutely.”
DeJoy emphasized USPS’s historical role in delivering election mail, including during the 2020 election when nearly all ballots were delivered within the recommended seven-day timeframe. “We’ve been delivering election mail since 1864,” DeJoy stated, assuring the committee that USPS has the experience and readiness to manage election mail this year.
While DeJoy reassured the committee, he also acknowledged that not all election officials fully understand USPS’s capabilities. He pointed out that while the Postal Service can address specific concerns, general doubts are more difficult to manage. DeJoy concluded his testimony by emphasizing, “We are ready to deliver the nation’s mail-in ballots.”
The hearing highlighted the importance of USPS in the upcoming election, with millions of Americans relying on the postal service to ensure their votes are counted. Ensuring the timely delivery of ballots remains a priority for lawmakers and the public.
