USPS must be up to the task of promptly delivering mail-in ballots, says Calvert

U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) called on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) more reliably and securely delivers mail-in ballots.

The congressman pointed out that mail-in ballots in his home state of California increased from 32 percent of total ballots cast from 2004 to 2022, to 87 percent of ballots cast, according to a May 6 letter he sent to DeJoy.

“The dramatic shift in voting practices further increases the need for the USPS to deliver mail-in ballots securely and reliably,” Rep. Calvert wrote.

That’s particularly true considering recent reports that at least 104 Southern California voters mailed their ballots prior to election day for the 2024 March Primary Election, but those ballots weren’t officially counted because election officials received them more than seven days after election day, according to his letter.

“The fact that these voters were denied their ability to exercise their constitutional duty due to flaws in the mail-in ballot system is shocking,” wrote Rep. Calvert. “In American elections, it’s not hyperbole to say every vote matters – it’s a fundamental component of our democracy.”

While Rep. Calvert acknowledged that the increased role of mail-in ballots has put the USPS in a more critical position in the election process, he noted that Americans “must have confidence that the USPS is up to the task of supporting our democracy.”

He asked that the USPS respond to several questions, including why the 104 mail-in ballots in Southern California weren’t delivered to their respective county registrars of voters on time, and requested that DeJoy provide a detailed explanation of each step being taken in Southern California to ensure every completed mail-in ballot deposited in a USPS mailbox for the 2024 General Election and beyond, is counted.

“Elections are the lifeblood of our democracy,” wrote Rep. Calvert, “and it is imperative that the USPS meet the modern electoral needs of the American public.”