Postal chief seeks to assuage election concerns in House hearing

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy sought to address criticisms and concerns about mail-in ballots ahead of the upcoming presidential election in a congressional hearing Thursday.  

Testifying before a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, DeJoy said the U.S. Postal Service would be “even better prepared” for the surge on mail-in ballots in 2024 compared to the unprecedented rise in 2020 amid the pandemic.  

“We operate as the one uniform element in a sea of variation when it comes to elections,” he said.  

Last week, DeJoy expressed frustration after facing criticisms from former President Trump and other elected officials, saying it would be “wrong” to say mail-in ballots would be misplaced under his watch. 

But, with less than 40 days until the election, representatives of more rural districts are still concerned about the efficiency of the postal system.

In the hearing, Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), who represents areas of Eastern Pennsylvania, cited an August article from The Washington Post about plans to allow slower services for more rural areas of the country after the election.

DeJoy dismissed the claims, saying the outlet was historically a “negative, unsubstantiated, sensationalized newspaper” for matters related to the United States Postal Service.  

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) also expressed concerns, citing problems with a pilot program, which resulted in delays across the country, including in Wisconsin.

“You know what I would really appreciate? If you could show us a specific plan for Wisconsin, because you broke us, right?” Pocan said.  

DeJoy attempted to excuse past mistakes, saying “the first rockets that went to the moon blew up.” He emphasized the Postal Service has since learned and is working to improve services in rural areas.

“We do everything we possibly can in an imperfect system that expects the perfect,” DeJoy said. “We’re a good target for a lot of blame.” 

The postmaster general also referenced scrutiny on Georgia mail-in ballot processing, saying that what went on in the state’s past was an “embarrassment” to the Postal Service, but that investments and changes will soon make the state’s postal services among “the best in the nation.” 

Throughout the hearing, DeJoy continuously reassured the subcommittee that the service is doing everything in its power to prepare for the election and surge of ballots while operating under the constraints of the federal government.  

DeJoy even cut off Cartwright before he could finish asking if American citizens can trust the mail-in ballot system.  

“Absolutely. I don’t know why you wouldn’t,” DeJoy said.