Washington, DC— In response to news that the U.S. Postal Service has agreed to reverse changes that delayed mail service across the country in the middle of a pandemic, President of People For the American Way Ben Jealous, released the following statement:
"It is welcoming news that as a result of a court settlement the U.S. Postal Service has agreed to halt any of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s cuts until after the election, and that they will continue to prioritize election mail while our nation is relying on unprecedented levels of vote by mail during this 2020 election. This result mirrors where the American people demonstrated they were this summer: we need trusted, reliable and accessible postal services for this election, and beyond. U.S. Postal Service plays a critical role in uniting all of us across big cities, small towns, and the most remote rural areas and it plays an even bigger role for millions who rely on their services for medical deliveries and prescriptions, employment and unemployment checks, and connections to loved ones. The commitments announced today affirm our belief that while it will take time to count every vote, voting by mail is safe, and postal workers are moving heaven and earth to get your ballot where it needs to go. Let’s also be prepared to keep up the fight to protect the U.S. Postal Service after the election – no new cuts."
People For has been actively pushing for election security during the 2020 election season, as well as safe, secure voting alternatives, including voting by mail, to help ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots. Part of these efforts included calling for Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to provide full funding for COVID relief and for the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the House did by including $25 billion of financial relief to keep the Postal Service operational. People For also launched “Defend Our Post Office,” a campaign with a video and petition urging Congress to act to protect the beloved institution and to help ensure that millions of Americans have this essential lifeline during COVID-19 pandemic.
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.