USPS Chief Pledges Timely Ballot Delivery for 2024 Election

Louis DeJoy, the U.S. Postmaster General, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of ballots for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This declaration comes in response to apprehensions raised by election officials regarding the United States Postal Service's (USPS) capacity to manage the anticipated high volume of election-related mail.

A consortium of approximately 35 election officials, including members of the National Association of State Election Directors, has voiced significant concerns about USPS's readiness for the 2024 election. Their worries encompass various aspects of postal operations, including processing facility functions, misplaced or delayed election correspondence, and inadequate training of frontline staff.

In a written response, DeJoy stated his intention to convene a discussion with state officials to address their specific concerns. He also mentioned that the USPS Office of Inspector General is conducting audits of postal facilities and will promptly address any identified issues related to election mail.

To bolster election mail handling, USPS plans to deploy ballot monitors and additional personnel in processing, retail, and delivery units starting October 1, 2024. This measure aims to reinforce existing policies and procedures at the operational level.

The USPS, established in 1775 and constitutionally authorized, has a long history of handling election mail dating back to the Civil War. As the third-largest civilian employer in the United States with over 600,000 workers, USPS processes an average of 425.3 million mail pieces daily across its network of more than 31,000 post offices.

Currently, USPS reports an average mail delivery time of 2.7 days. However, as a precautionary measure, the postal service advises voters to mail their completed ballots at least one week prior to their state's deadline and before Election Day.

The importance of efficient mail-in voting has grown significantly in recent years. According to the inspector general, mail-in votes constituted 46% of all votes cast in the November 2020 presidential election, a substantial increase from 21% in the 2016 election. USPS reported delivering 99.89% of ballots from voters to election officials within seven days during the 2020 general election.

"In the 2020 general election, we delivered 99.89% of ballots from voters to election officials within seven days."

As the 2024 election approaches, with some states set to commence voting by mail in the coming weeks, the USPS faces the challenge of maintaining and improving its performance. The postal service, which receives no direct taxpayer funds and relies on the sale of postage and services, must navigate these responsibilities while addressing ongoing financial difficulties partly stemming from a 2006 law requiring prefunding of retiree health benefits.

The USPS's ability to efficiently handle election mail remains crucial for ensuring a smooth democratic process in the upcoming presidential election.