Dem
49
GOP
51
On Monday, the U.S. Postal Service issued a press release. Here is the important part:
With eight days remaining until Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, the United States Postal Service recommends that voters who choose to vote by mail do so soon.
As we anticipate an uptick of ballots in the mail over the coming days, Postal Service employees are working to ensure the ballots of every individual who chooses to vote by mail are delivered quickly and securely. As in past elections, the Postal Service is ready to deliver your ballot on time. But don't delay. If you choose to vote by mail, please mail early as every day counts.
We continue to recommend that it is a good common-sense measure for voters who choose to mail in their ballots to do so before Election Day and at least a week before their election office needs to receive them. If a ballot is due on Election Day, the Postal Service recommends mailing the ballot by this Tuesday (October 29).
The executive summary: "We are doing our best, but if you want to be safe, get your ballot in the mail by Tuesday."
We are not going to get conspiratorial about whether or not Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is trying to put his thumb on the scale for the Republicans. As we have written, that's a complicated story, and there's plenty of evidence he is putting duty before party.
No, the only reason we are taking note of this press release is because the "optimal" window for voting by mail has now closed. So, if you absolutely must vote by mail (you're rural, or you're disabled, or...), then please do get your ballot in the mail TODAY. Otherwise, and for everyone else, it's time to move on to Plan B: Deliver your ballot to a drop box, or polling place, or your local registrar of voters/hall of records (depending on what is appropriate in your municipality). (Z)