To: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov
Subject: Ballot Mail
I am writing to oppose the adoption of the proposed rule that would amend 39 CFR Part 111 to prevent USPS' delivering mail-in or absentee ballots unless the addressee appears on USPS-maintained list of approved voters. Such an amendment would cause many practical and logistical problems, including:
- Who at the USPS would be charged with maintaining the list of approved voters, in addition to their other duties?
- Where would the budget for this work come from?
- How could the American people be assured that these lists were handled fairly?
The United States' constitution is very clear that the federal executive branch has no role to play in regulating elections. This is just as true of the USPS. For it to arrogate to itself the power to arbitrate who gets to vote by mail and who does not would be a horrifying betrayal of the American people.
Mail-in voting is a proven method for increasing participation in elections, and a powerful engine of Democracy. The states have proven methods for ensuring mail-in ballots are properly vetted and fairly counted. The proposed additional layer of USPS bureaucracy would add nothing to these protections, and in fact would decrease Americans' faith in their elections.
The proposed rule is a bad idea, and should not be pursued.