A whistleblower report warns that the U.S. Postal Service’s recent implementation of untested technology could disrupt the upcoming midterm election. This technology is part of former President Trump’s effort to restrict mail-in voting. An ongoing legal battle has currently blocked key elements of the USPS’s plan to enforce Trump’s directives.
Despite this, the USPS worked on developing an online portal intended to allow state election officials to submit absentee voters’ information. However, according to the whistleblower, testing for this system has been insufficient. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut reported these claims on Monday in a submission to the USPS.
“USPS leadership appears to have rushed the project, prioritizing its readiness for a September 1 launch over best practices,” stated the disclosure from Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit representing the anonymous federal employee.
If the courts allow USPS’s plan to continue, issues with the online portal might prevent eligible voters from receiving their ballots on time. The whistleblower pointed out a ‘zero-percent failure policy’ as a logistical concern, which could hinder the verification process and delay the mailing of ballots.
Senator Blumenthal called on Postmaster General David Steiner to halt what he described as a problematic plan, emphasizing the importance of facilitating mail-in voting without USPS interference. He expressed disbelief over the organization’s approach, claiming it seems designed for failure.
Trump defended his directives as a measure against illegal voting, although studies indicate such voting is rare. A federal judge in Boston recently issued a restraining order against the USPS plan, suggesting potential illegality. The Trump administration appealed this decision, hinting at a possible Supreme Court battle. The ongoing disputes over Trump’s directives have created uncertainty ahead of the elections.
Editor’s note: USPS is a financial supporter of NPR.