WASHINGTON — Last week, the Associated Press reported that governors from nine states called on the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule that would undermine mail-in voting. The action, which was also covered by the Chicago Tribune and the San Joaquin Valley Sun, highlights the unique role governors play in running elections and defending voter access to the ballot.
“Far from ensuring integrity in federal elections,” they wrote in the six-page letter, “the Proposed Rule would undermine trust in elections, needlessly complicate voting processes, arbitrarily disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, and undermine states’ constitutional role in ensuring free and fair elections.”
Governors Safeguarding Democracy, an initiative of GovAct, applauded the actions.
“Election administration has long been the responsibility of the states, and every institution — including the U.S. Postal Service — has an obligation to respect that constitutional balance.” Julia Spiegel, Founder and CEO of GovAct. “These Governors from across the country saw USPS’s proposed changes for what they are — unlawful federal interference in our democratic process.”
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About Governors Safeguarding Democracy
Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) is a nonpartisan initiative of governors working together to uphold and fortify American democracy. An initiative of GovAct, GSD helps governors collaborate to strengthen democracy by advancing policy that protects fundamental freedoms and improves people’s lives. Together, GSD aims to help push back against anti-democratic threats and protect the rule of law and systems of democracy our country and our states depend on. To learn more, go to www.GovsforDemocracy.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a central platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face, from reproductive freedom and democracy to public safety and health. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.