While the 2024 elections are nine months away, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union encourages all of its members to ensure they are registered to vote in primary and general elections, as well as special elections in various congressional districts. The easiest way to check on your voter registration is to visit the non-partisan website, vote.org. There, you can verify your voter registration, register to vote, apply to vote by mail, and learn more about your state’s election laws. As recent national elections have come down to voter turnout, it is imperative that every member of the Union participates in the democratic process.

Many non-voters do not think that voting will change their lives for the better. But that is simply false. Because you are a postal employee, your pay and benefits are directly tied to the actions taken by elected officials. You can vote to keep our friends and champions in office, and vote out those who attack your job. As we have seen in prior elections, it takes just a few votes to make a difference between electing a President or members of Congress who understand what’s important to mail handlers and those who want to destroy or reduce what you have earned through hard work.

Primary elections allow voters to decide party candidates that will be in the November general election. Regulations for how to participate in primary elections varies from state to state, with some requiring declaration of party affiliation prior to election day. Dates of primary elections also vary by state, and some will begin as early as March 5. Winners of primary elections will then face off in the general election on Tuesday, November 5.

The NPMHU highly encourages its members to enroll in vote by mail. Over the past four years, local election boards and the United States Postal Service saw an increase in use of vote by mail. The 2020 elections saw USPS process and deliver 135 million ballots to and from voters; 610 million pieces of election mail; and, 4 billion pieces of political mail. USPS delivered 97.9% of ballots within 3 days and 99.7% of ballots within 5 days. While state regulations for vote by mail, also called absentee ballots, were expanded in 2020 due to the pandemic and public health concerns, due to popularity and demand, many states expanded access to these ballots. During the 2022 midterm elections, USPS delivered over 54.4 million ballots, of these 98.96% were delivered within 3 days and 99.82% were delivered within 5 days. As Mail Handlers, we are uniquely aware of the capabilities of the Postal Service to take extraordinary measures to ensure a secure and accurate vote.

Not only did the Postal Service see an increase in volume due to vote by mail, but elections boards also saw an increase in voter participation. When asked why they choose not to participate in elections, eligible voters have a wide array of responses: low enthusiasm; lack of transportation to polls; and, voter confusion. Vote by mail combats these issues. By voting at home, voters have more time to research candidates, or worry about getting to polls or long lines. In the 2020 elections, states that mailed out ballots to voters saw an increase in participation by 5.6 percent.

In both 2020 and 2022, states that offered permanent absentee ballots alongside other registered voters saw a higher turnout for those voting by mail. For example, voter turnout in Arizona during the 2020 election was 87 percent for those who voted by mail, and 56 percent for those who voted in person. And not as many voters participate in non-presidential election years, so it is impressive to see that in 2022, turnout was 70 percent for vote by mail, and 37 percent for in-person voting. This means more people are voting for not just congressional candidates, but also for offices down ballot – your school board members, city council members, and sheriffs – offices that also have influence on your community and family. 

Vote by mail empowers voters to be overcome election fatigue, learn about elected offices and candidates, and doesn’t require standing in long lines. Our democracy is strengthened by participation. You can only elect responsible leaders if you cast your vote, and you can only cast that vote if you are registered. You have a voice, make sure it’s heard.