Elections Must Still Be Protected as Postmaster General Announces Suspension of Service Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shin Inouye, [email protected], 202.869.0398

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s announcement that he is suspending operational changes until after the election:

“The postmaster general’s announcement is a step in the right direction but offers no commitment to rectify the harms of the unnecessary actions already taken. In his congressional hearings, DeJoy must answer critical questions about how USPS is restoring decommissioned sorting machines and mailboxes that are important for managing the surge in mail expected during the election. The USPS is essential to the functioning of our democracy. Millions of people depend on the Postal Service to deliver essential medications and daily necessities in a timely manner, especially during a pandemic.

“Congress must immediately vote to allocate $25 billion to support the Postal Service and provide $3.6 billion to state and local governments to fund our elections. From delivering paychecks to census forms to mail-in ballots, the Postal Service is a key part of our democracy. We must remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to protect the vital services provided by USPS.”

Earlier this year, The Leadership Conference and more than 100 other civil rights groups called on Congress to support robust funding for the USPS in the next coronavirus response package.

 The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.