Oregon — Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined more than 30 Senate Democrats in calling on the United States Postal Service to disregard an executive order issued by Donald Trump that would alter how mail-in voting is administered.
In a letter to postal leadership, the senators argue the order is unconstitutional and improperly expands presidential authority over federal elections. They state that the Constitution grants primary authority over election administration to states and Congress, not the executive branch.
The executive order directs USPS to establish and maintain a “Mail-in Absentee Participation List,” determining which voters are eligible to receive and return absentee ballots by mail. Lawmakers warn this would effectively transform the Postal Service into an election regulator, a role it has not historically held.
According to the letter, the policy could restrict voting access by requiring states to share voter data or risk disenfranchising eligible voters not included on federal lists. Senators also expressed concern that USPS would gain final authority over whether ballots are delivered, potentially impacting voter participation.
The order is currently being challenged in court by Oregon and 22 other states. Democratic lawmakers argue that implementing it would undermine the Postal Service’s longstanding role as a neutral mail carrier and could interfere with established election processes.
The letter was led by Senators Gary Peters, Alex Padilla, and Dick Durbin, and includes signatures from a broad coalition of Democratic and independent senators.
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two worthless bags of hot air the only time they have anything to say is when it helps their pocketbook. Poster children for why we need term limits
Vote 100% RED to totally eliminate DC and local swamps. Then begin again fresh.