Postal Service Scrutiny Over Mail-In Ballots For Upcoming Elections

State election directors expressed serious concerns to a top U.S. Postal Service official regarding the system's ability to handle an expected surge in mail-in ballots for the upcoming November elections. Despite reassurances from postal management, worries persist over potential delays and past service disruptions.

State election directors from across the country voiced serious concerns to a top U.S. Postal Service official Tuesday about the system's capability to handle an expected surge of mail-in ballots for the upcoming November elections.

Steven Carter, manager of election and government programs for the postal service, attempted to reassure the directors at a meeting in Minneapolis, noting that the Office of Inspector General will publish an election mail report next week showing encouraging performance numbers for this year so far. He emphasized that data indicates improvements, and the report will be complimentary of current handling efforts.

However, state election directors remain apprehensive, citing past issues and a disruptive consolidation of postal facilities that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has paused until after the elections. They fear these challenges could result in ballots not being delivered in a timely manner for counting in November. Directors also highlighted specific instances of delays and delivery failures, underscoring the ongoing concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)