Postmaster General Backs Off Changes But Union Leaders Say Damage Is Already Done
Under public pressure, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy suspends efforts to remove equipment or cut hours until after the election. But postal union leaders say that dismantled machines and removed collection boxes are not likely to be restored to handle the pandemic-fueled flood of mail-in ballots.
The Wall Street Journal:
USPS To Suspend Changes Until After Election
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said the U.S. Postal Service is suspending operational changes, such as removal of mail processing equipment and collection boxes, until after the November election, as the agency tries to reassure Americans that it can handle the anticipated surge in mail-in voting. Calling the timely delivery of the nation’s election mail a “sacred duty,” Mr. DeJoy said the agency won’t change retail hours at post offices across the country or close any mail-sorting facilities. (Andrews, Corse and Ziobro, 8/18)
CNN:
Postal Union Leaders Doubt Recent Changes Will Be Fully Restored, Despite USPS Announcement
Miriam Bell, general president of a local chapter of the American Postal Workers Union in North Carolina, said seven sorting machines at a Charlotte postal facility have been either separated out, dismantled or entirely removed in recent weeks. Asked if she expects them to return, Bell said, "We truthfully do not know," adding, "it is highly unlikely they will be put back in place." (Devine and Murphy, 8/19)
Politico:
Pelosi Celebrates Walkback Of Postal Service Changes: ‘They Felt The Heat’
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday credited public pressure for spurring Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's decision to roll back reforms at the U.S. Postal Service that prompted fears of election interference. The news that the Postal Service was suspending its “operational initiatives” broke moments before Pelosi’s interview with POLITICO Playbook authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman. (Cohen, 8/18)
In other news about voting —
CNN:
Trump Campaign Sues New Jersey Over Mail-In Voting
President Donald Trump's reelection campaign sued New Jersey Tuesday over the state's decision to use a hybrid voting model for November's election in which all residents will be mailed a ballot, leaving it up to them to decide if they would like to vote by mail or in person. (Grise, 8/19)
Politico:
Pro Sports Teams Offer Up Empty Arenas For Voting In The Fall
The Election Super Centers Project has four NBA teams participating so far — the Indiana Pacers (Indianapolis), Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards — as well as the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, MLB’s Boston Red Sox and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils (Newark) and Washington Capitals (who share an arena and owner with the Wizards). The Golden State Warriors are also in discussions to join the program. (Montellaro, 8/18)
