1776Reporting
Recent findings from an audit conducted by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) have revealed troubling issues, indicating that political and election mail failed to be delivered between 2% and 3% of the time. This revelation has sparked renewed debate over the reliability of mail-in voting, a system that has gained prominence in recent elections.
The audit, reported by Just The News, highlights significant shortcomings in the USPS’s handling of election-related mail. The Postal Service’s chief watchdog expressed concern that some ballots might be delayed or even go uncounted in the upcoming election. According to the report, “We found that Postal Service personnel did not always comply with policy and procedures regarding all clear certifications, Election and Political Mail logs, and audit checklists.” These lapses pose a risk of delays in processing and delivering critical election materials.
One of the most alarming findings in the report is the potential impact of operational changes under the “Delivering for America” initiative, which may result in individual ballots not being counted. Despite recommendations for improving mail-in ballot handling, USPS management disagreed with two key solutions proposed by the watchdog. The report stated, “Opportunities exist for the Postal Service to improve readiness for timely processing and delivery of Election and Political Mail for the 2024 general election.”
Just The News further detailed the audit’s scope, which examined the USPS’s compliance with election mail requirements from December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, covering early primary elections. The audit uncovered significant non-compliance among employees across 15 mail processing facilities and 35 delivery units. A staggering 80% of the mail processing facilities audited did not complete all clear certifications according to policy, resulting in delays for processing political mail by the daily required deadlines.
The audit revealed that between two and 220 ballots were found at seven facilities after the completion of the all-clear process, underscoring the gaps in ensuring timely ballot delivery. On average, ballots sent to voters were processed on time only 97.01% of the time, while ballots returned to election counting centers fared slightly better at 98.17%, according to the Inspector General’s report.
In a related development, the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected a challenge to Texas voting rules, highlighting the ongoing debate over age-based mail-in voting eligibility. Texas allows older voters to request absentee ballots for any reason, while younger voters face stricter criteria. This discrepancy has been challenged as age-based discrimination, but the Supreme Court has twice declined to hear appeals related to the Texas lawsuit.
The challengers argued that the 26th Amendment, which prohibits age-based voting discrimination, should apply to mail-in voting rules. They contended, “Whatever voting rights a state grants to people aged 65 and over, it must also grant to people under 65.” However, the Supreme Court upheld an appeals court’s decision that Texas’s rules are lawful, asserting that easing voting for some does not necessarily make it harder for others.
Additionally, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that the right to vote does not inherently include the right to vote by mail when the 26th Amendment was enacted. Most states either mail ballots to all voters or allow residents to request absentee ballots, but variations in state laws continue to fuel debate over equitable access to voting.
As the nation approaches another pivotal election, the USPS audit serves as a reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities inherent in the mail-in voting system. With millions of Americans relying on this method to cast their votes, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the process is paramount to upholding the democratic process. The spotlight remains on election officials, lawmakers, and the USPS to address these issues and ensure that every vote counts in the upcoming election.
This is precisely why I, at age 69 (by election Date), with many mobility issues, always present myself at the polls on election day. Too many BAD things happen with BS mail in voting for everybody.