US postmaster general expresses confidence about handling mail-in ballots this election

United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Thursday expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle millions of mail-in ballots this November.

The U.S. Postal Service was heavily criticized by former President Donald Trump and his allies for its handling of mail-in ballots during the 2020 election, when DeJoy was just a few months into his post. 

The Postal Service has been undergoing rapid changes as it prepares for this year's election, but some of those changes will be paused in November to ensure the process runs smoothly. 

“We’re going to be in great shape for the election. I’m pretty confident about everything that were doing,” DeJoy told the Associated Press. “The American people should be confident.”

The service said it is aiming for a nearly 100% return rate within three days this November, after it returned 97.9% of ballots to election officials within three days in 2020, and 98.9% of ballots were returned in 2022.

DeJoy also said he will improve communication ahead of and during the November election, so people can feel confident in the mail-in ballot process.

“We have to be louder than the noise in communicating how well we’re going to do and that things are going to be OK," he said. "Things are going to be good. We’re in a better operating position than we ever have been."

The postmaster general also urged Americans to send their mail-in ballots earlier rather than later. 

“Vote early! If you’re using the mail, help us out,” DeJoy said.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.