This is an important update, but public comments on the related USPS proposed rule are still needed. The USPS proposal remains open for public comment through July 2, and coalition partners are encouraging organizations and individuals to submit comments in support of secure, accessible mail voting.
Nothing has changed about how Michigan voters cast absentee ballots right now. Michigan voters can continue using existing absentee voting procedures under current state law.
For more background on what the USPS proposal would do, read VAAC’s background post on the USPS ballot mail proposal.
What happened
On Thursday, June 25, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani blocked key parts of the executive order targeting mail voting. The ruling came after legal challenges from states and voting rights groups. The administration may still appeal the decision.
The executive order had directed federal agencies, including USPS, to take actions related to voter eligibility lists and ballot delivery. The USPS later issued a proposed rule tied to that order regarding ballot mail for federal elections. The proposed rule is still in the public comment period.
Why public comments still matter
Coalition partners are continuing to encourage public comments because the proposed USPS rule has not been finalized.
The concern remains the same: USPS should remain a neutral mail carrier, not an overseer of ballot distribution.
Mail voting is a secure, accurate, and accessible way for eligible voters to cast their ballots. Public comments give voters and organizations a chance to explain why USPS should focus on receiving, transmitting, and delivering mail, while state and local election officials continue administering elections.
Take action by July 2
Organizations and individuals can submit public comments urging USPS to defend the independence of election systems and uphold its responsibility to receive, transmit, and deliver the mail.
Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, July 2.
You can submit a comment in one of two ways:
Email your comment to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov with the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Emailed comments must include the name and address of the commenter.
Or, you can use Stand Up America’s letter submission tool.
What to say in your comment
These public comments are most useful when they are written in your own words. You do not need to write a long comment. A few sentences about how mail voting affects you, your family, or your community can help explain why USPS should not adopt the proposed rule.
You may want to include:
How you use absentee voting or why the option is important to you.
Whether mail voting helps because of work, caregiving, disability, transportation, age, military service, rural distance, or another access need.
Any concern that errors, outdated information, or administrative problems could keep eligible voters from receiving their ballots.
Why you believe USPS should focus on reliable ballot delivery and leave voter eligibility and ballot distribution decisions to state and local election officials.
Nothing has changed in Michigan
The court decision blocked the executive order for now, and the USPS proposed rule has not been finalized. Nothing has changed about absentee voting in Michigan.
Michigan voters should continue following current Michigan absentee voting procedures. Voters can still vote by mail in Michigan’s August 4 Primary Election and November 3 General Election.
The post Mail Voting Executive Order Update: Public Comments to USPS Still Needed by July 2 appeared first on Voting Access For All.