Can the USPS Really Handle All the Votes By Mail?

Is there any doubt that the United States Postal Service (USPS) can manage the massive increase in mail-in voting? The USPS handles an average of nearly 500 million pieces of mail daily, and with proper organization, this increase can be easily managed. Every year, the USPS deals with a similar surge in mail during the Christmas season, which is much more significant than any potential increase in mail-in ballots. Let's dive deeper.

USPS and Mail Volume

The postal system has faced unprecedented challenges, particularly around events like Christmas. Each year, the USPS processes over a billion Christmas cards and countless packages, far surpassing the potential volume of mail-in ballots. During the Christmas season, the USPS absorbs an extra 50 million mailings a day, with Americans mailing 1.3 billion Christmas cards, which is significantly more than the number of expected mail-in ballots. This massive increase occurs every year for a month without any issues. Therefore, the USPS is well-equipped to handle a modest increase in mail-in ballots.

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Let's break it down further:

Christmas Mail: The USPS deals with a significant volume of mail during the Christmas season, far exceeding the expected increase in mail-in ballots. This includes billions of Christmas cards and packages, which are processed smoothly without any problems. Spread of Ballots: Not every registered voter will participate in mail-in voting, and even if everyone did, the ballots would not all be mailed on the same day. Assuming a 10-day period, the additional daily mail volume would be only 13 million pieces, which is well within the USPS's capacity. Procrastination and Last-Minute Mailing: While some voters might delay mailing their ballots, this is an issue that voters need to address, not the USPS. The postal service is designed to handle both regular and last-minute deliveries.

Furthermore, the USPS has shown its capability in managing extended voting periods. Many counties have been using mail-in ballots for years, and they have demonstrated their reliability and efficiency.

Responsibility and Political Influence

It is vital to recognize that adding prepaid postage or making significant changes to the process is the responsibility of the election officials, not the USPS. The postmaster general has stated that all ballots will be processed first-class. Voters can ensure adequate postage by purchasing it themselves at the post office counter. Additionally, many counties provide election drop boxes, further bypassing the need for USPS intervention.

The so-called "voter procrastination issue" is not the USPS's fault. It reflects on the behavior of some voters more than on the system's capacity. As with any other mail processing, the USPS can handle the workload, but it requires proper organization and timely submission from voters.

Conclusion

The USPS has proven its capability to manage significant increases in mail volume, such as during the Christmas season. The potential increase in mail-in ballots is a much smaller challenge compared to the volume of cards and packages processed during the holiday season. Election officials and voters need to work together to ensure a smooth and efficient mail-in voting process. The USPS is up to the job, and it is not a matter of political sabotage but rather a matter of responsible voter behavior and proper organization.