Federal judge in WA state issues injunction halting changes that could lead to mail delays
On Thursday, a federal judge in Yakima issued a nationwide injunction stopping the Postmaster General’s practices when it comes to mail delays.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson led a group of 14 states on Aug. 18 that filed a lawsuit challenging the policies at the U.S. Postal Service that could potentially have an impact on the 2020 election.
“Today’s victory protects a critical institution for our country,” Ferguson said in a news release. “Americans can now confidently vote by mail and have their voices heard.”
The ruling made by Judge Stanley A. Bastian calls for the postal service to:
Immediately stop its “leave mail behind” policy, where postal trucks are required to leave at specified times, regardless if there is mail still to be loaded.
Continue its longstanding practice of treating all election mail as First Class mail, regardless of the paid postage.
Replace, reassemble or reconnect any removed mail-sorting machines that are needed to ensure timely processing and delivery of election mail.
Abide by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s public commitment to suspend the recent policy changes that have affected mail service until after the election.
Although Washington votes strictly by mail, it is expected that a large number of voters in other states will be doing mail-in ballots as a way to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Critics have said potential delays in receiving and mailing in ballots increase the likelihood that mailed-in votes will miss election deadlines and disenfranchise some voters.
Senior citizens and veterans also are expected to see a benefit from this ruling.
Seniors have been at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and are reliant on mail delivery for medicine, medical equipment and groceries.
Veterans depend on the VA for many services. Nearly 80 percent of all veteran prescriptions are delivered by mail. The VA processes about 120 million mail-order prescriptions per year (470,000 a day). The Postal Service makes daily prescription deliveries to 330,000 veterans across the country, according to a news release from Ferguson’s office.
This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Federal judge in WA state issues injunction halting changes that could lead to mail delays."
