Congresswomen Schrier, Pettersen Lead Push For USPS to Ensure Timely Delivery of Mail-in Ballots

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) led an effort alongside Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to push for more reliable delivery for mail-in ballots, particularly for rural communities, which have experienced longstanding mail service delays. In a letter sent yesterday to the United States Postal Service (USPS), Congresswoman Schrier demanded answers on the specific steps USPS has been taking to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of election mail.

"The ability to participate freely and fairly in elections is not only a core principle of democracy, but is central to who we are as Americans," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Right now, the Trump Administration's attack on mail-in ballots, voter eligibility, and local election systems threatens the ability of my constituents to vote - especially those who live in rural communities far away from in-person voting options. Washington state's mail-in voting system is one of the best in the country and, for decades, has increased the ability of all Washingtonians to make their voices heard each November. I am proud to lead the effort to ensure USPS is taking the necessary steps to deliver timely, reliable, and secure election mail for rural Americans."

"Millions of Coloradans depend on voting by mail, especially in our rural communities where polling locations can be few and far between. We're proud to have one of the most secure election systems in the nation, one that I helped build during my time in the State Legislature. These primaries are the voters' first chance this year to make their voices heard on Trump's disastrous policies for the past two years, but our rural communities have been dealing with delays that could jeopardize their ability to make sure their votes are counted on time," said Congresswoman Pettersen. "Our democracy works best when everyone has a chance to have their voice heard. At a time when Trump is trying to attack mail in voting and rig both the primaries and the upcoming midterm elections by making it harder for people to vote, we should be doing everything we can to make sure that rural voters don't get left behind just because of where they live."

Washington and Colorado are both universal mail-in ballot states, where every registered voter automatically receives a ballot in the mail. Rural communities across Washington's Eighth District have faced persistent mail delivery challenges, including longer wait times, delayed delivery, and unexpected closures. As Washingtonians prepare to cast votes this November, these communities depend on reliable access to mail-in ballots to ensure that their votes are cast and counted on time.

This effort also comes on the coattails of mounting threats to mail-in voting systems nationwide, punctuated by recent testimony from Postmaster General David Steiner indicating the USPS could withhold mail ballots from states that do not provide the federal government with lists of voters who have requested absentee or mail ballots.

In their letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the lawmakers requested detailed information on USPS's election mail preparedness, including how the agency is addressing persistent service gaps in rural areas, mitigating workforce and transportation challenges, coordinating with state and local election officials, and ensuring ballots are delivered on time so every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

Read the full letter HERE.

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