Postmaster General Says Election Mail Will Be Delivered on Time

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy promised a Senate committee Friday that 95 percent of election mail will be delivered in one to three days, just as it was for the 2018 election. The new leader of the postal service also said that a combination of efficiency changes and the coronarvirus outbreak led to delivery delays that many veterans and older Americans have experienced this summer.

DeJoy testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, just days after he reversed a number of initiatives he put in place since he took over responsibility for the agency on June 15. That reversal occurred in the aftermath of strong concerns raised on multiple fronts, including from AARP. DeJoy is scheduled to appear before a House committee on Monday.

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

“The postal service will deliver every ballot,” DeJoy told the committee. “I think the American public should be able to vote by mail.” DeJoy also said that he plans to vote that way in November and suggested that voters planning to cast ballots through the mail should vote early.

AARP urged protection of vital mail services

In a letter to DeJoy on Aug. 17, AARP expressed growing concern that recent changes he had made could compromise the health of older Americans as well as their ability to vote safely in the November elections.

“While AARP shares your goal of ensuring the United States Postal Service (USPS) operates in an effective and efficient manner, we urge you to suspend any adjustments that could negatively affect service during the pandemic,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in the letter.

At Friday’s hearing, DeJoy reiterated his decision to suspend some of the initiatives that have been criticized. For example, in recent weeks, there have been reports of bulk mail sorting machines being removed from post offices and delays in mail delivery. DeJoy told the committee that while no more sorting machines will be removed from processing centers, those already taken away will not be returned because they are “not needed.” DeJoy also confirmed that no more collection boxes will be removed, no mail processing facilities will be closed, hours at post offices will not change and overtime will be approved as needed.