What Happened
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is considering a new rule that would permit it to withhold mail-in ballots from states that do not supply voter roll information. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated that this proposed policy is intended to prevent potential fraud and ensure the legitimacy of mail-in voting processes. Under the proposed rule, the USPS would not deliver mail-in ballots to states that fail to provide access to their voter registration lists.
This proposal has been framed by some media outlets as a concession to political pressure, with one report suggesting the USPS is "bending the knee" to former President Trump's concerns about mail-in voting. Another perspective highlights that the rule is a direct response to states' practices regarding mail-in voter information, indicating that the USPS would cease ballot delivery if voter rolls are not shared.
The proposed policy has generated discussion regarding its potential impact on access to voting, particularly for states that rely heavily on mail-in ballots. The Postmaster General has indicated that the USPS's decision to deliver or withhold ballots would be contingent on states' cooperation in providing the requested voter roll data.
Key Facts
- 1
USPS has proposed a rule regarding the delivery of mail-in ballots.
- 2
The proposed rule would allow USPS to refuse delivery of mail-in ballots.
- 3
Refusal would occur in states that do not provide voter roll information.
- 4
The Postmaster General announced the proposed rule.
- 5
The rule is presented as a measure to ensure the integrity of mail-in voting.
- 6
Some reports suggest political influence behind the proposed rule.
