Postmaster general: ‘Wrong’ to say mail ballots might be misplaced
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressed frustration Thursday to reporters about the ongoing criticism from election officials about how the agency handles mail-in ballots, saying it is wrong to suggest they could be displaced.
DeJoy argued that some election officials don’t understand the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) efforts to turn around mail during election season and reassured that the agency would be on top of things, The Associated Press reported.
The postal chief said the USPS will collect and deliver ballots more frequently in the days leading to the election, now less than two months away. Processing centers will remain open on the Sunday before Election Day, he added.
“We encourage the voting public to mail early if they chose to vote by mail,” DeJoy said, according to CNN.
He also tried to debunk some of the arguments from former President Trump about the mail-in ballots — though the GOP nominee and Republicans have been more open to the practice this cycle. He said his organization is ready to deliver and serve in the upcoming election season.
The agency will take special measures as it prepares to handle an influx of mail. In the 2020 presidential election, a record 43 percent of voters cast their ballots by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlet reported.
That number isn’t expected to be so high this year, but states have expanded their mailed ballot capabilities, so more people have access to the nontraditional form of voting this election.
DeJoy, who was appointed by Trump, tiptoed around a question from CNN about the criticism from Trump and others, saying his response is that USPS is prepared.
“My response is like my response to everyone who says we’re not prepared for the election — it is that they’re wrong,” he replied. “I don’t know that I need to comment any more than that. They’re wrong.”
The postal chief also admitted that “for a variety of reasons,” that there is a heightened sensitivity and scrutiny about voting via mail. He warned that the American public will be alarmed if they are led to question the reliability of their postal service, especially ahead of an election.
Still, DeJoy’s remarks aren’t enough to ensure lawmakers. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) said Wednesday that he wants Congress to have more control after his state experienced a mail-service breakdown, per the AP.
Date: |
Topics
-
Inc. - Business
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Says the Giant Investment in Generative AI Is Already Paying Off
He pointed to a product made by a Microsoft-owned company as a reason for his bullishness.Yesterday - Microsoft -
Financial Times - World
What’s wrong with research about ‘degrowth’?
Some recent reviews highlight vague language and fuzzy policy12 hours ago -
Wired - Tech
When You Call a Restaurant, You Might Be Chatting With an AI Host
Restaurants field a high volume of phone calls from inquisitive tourists or diners running late. Increasingly, voice chatbots are picking up on the other end of the line.2 hours ago -
VentureBeat - Tech
1X’s generative model first to predict real-world robot interactions
Generative models trained on raw data from robots learn world models that can simulate physical environments with photorealistic quality.16 hours ago -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
History, beware: What we got wrong about Caitlin Clark
We figured Clark's arrival in the WNBA would boost TV ratings. What we didn't see coming was the sustained magnitude all season long.22 hours ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Supreme Court rejects Green Party bid to appear on Nevada presidential ballot
The Supreme Court rejected Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein’s last-ditch request to be included on the ballot in Nevada, a key swing state.2 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Supreme Court declines to reinstate Jill Stein on Nevada’s ballot
The Supreme Court rejected the Nevada Green Party’s request for an emergency order putting its candidate, Jill Stein, on the presidential ballot in the key swing state. Without any noted dissents, ...2 hours ago -
CBS News - Politics
Supreme Court won't let Green Party candidate Jill Stein on Nevada ballot
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid to put Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein on the Nevada general election ballot.2 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Georgia elections board to consider last-minute changes, including hand-counting ballots
The Georgia election board is considering 11 change proposals brought by state Republicans, including hand-counting ballots and introducing something called "absentee ballot tracking," just one ...57 minutes ago
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Eight Democrats vote to ax Biden’s EV rule
Eight Democrats voted with House Republicans in favor of overturning a Biden administration rule that’s expected to force automakers to make a significant portion of their fleet electric. The ...26 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
It’s almost too late to protect our elections from AI — Congress must act now
As AI becomes more widespread, the potential for electoral mischief will only grow.35 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Microsoft strikes deal to reopen Three Mile Island nuclear plant
Nuclear energy operator Constellation Energy will reopen the Three Mile Island facility in Pennsylvania, the site of a 1979 partial nuclear meltdown, as part of a deal with Microsoft to power data ...37 minutes ago - Microsoft -
The Hill - Politics
Robinson won't be at Trump's North Carolina rally Saturday
North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson (R) will not be in attendance when former President Trump rallies supporters in the state on Saturday, a source told The Hill. Trump is ...42 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Stevie Wonder planning pre-election tour
Grammy-winning artist Stevie Wonder recently announced a 10-stop tour across the U.S. ahead of Election Day, now less than two months away. The concert tour — dubbed "Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our ...43 minutes ago