1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I oppose this proposed regulation establishing new ballot-mail requirements for federal elections. Election administration is constitutionally the responsibility of states and Congress. The proposed changes would expand the role of the U.S. Postal Service beyond its function as a neutral carrier of election mail. I am concerned that the proposal would give authority over election administration to the Postal Service and create new administrative burdens for state and local election officials. Any changes to election-mail rules should facilitate, not hinder, the timely delivery and return of ballots. I also oppose any policy that would cause eligible voters to be disenfranchised or face barriers to participation. Particular care should be taken to protect access for older adults, voters with disabilities, rural voters, and communities that have historically faced obstacles to voting. Our election systems should prioritize both security and accessibility so that every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to cast a ballot and have it counted. I urge Governor Newsom to protect our state's control over elections and vote by mail. The recent proposed USPS rule would allow the federal government to block eligible voters from receiving and casting their ballots and must not take effect.