Ahead of Election Day, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) expressed “serious concerns” about the ability of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ensure timely processing and delivery of election mail in Montana, where he said thousands vote by absentee mail each election.
“My office is fielding complaints from across the state from concerned citizens who have not yet received their absentee ballot,” wrote Sen. Daines in an Oct. 31 letter sent to USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
“I have worked tirelessly to ensure these concerns have been addressed and handled for Montana voters,” he wrote. “All that to say, with just a few days before the election, many Montanans are rightly concerned about the status of their ballot.”
Many rural Montanans may live many miles from the nearest polling location or may face inclement weather and treacherous roads on Election Day, the senator noted.
“While I appreciate the efforts of local clerks and carriers who are working longer hours to help process the increased mail load at this important time, I urge you to resolve the issues my constituents raised so they can exercise their constitutional right to vote in this consequential election,” he wrote. “It is paramount that you provide clear communication to Montana voters regarding their ability to vote by mail and continue to work to address any concerns that may arise.”