PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The states of Oregon and Washington have joined a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s changes to the U.S. Postal Service as more Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming general election.
In a statement, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee called mail-in ballot voting the “easiest, safest, most reliable voting method” out there, and condemned the Trump administration’s attempts at changing the Postal Service, which critics said would cause widespread delays and disrupt the November election as more states turn to mail-in ballot voting.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented and brazen attack unlike anything we have ever seen, and we can no longer trust this administration to stand up for a free and fair election,” Inslee said. “Washingtonians across our state are rightfully outraged and we must continue to be vigilant to ensure every community, every voice and every vote counts.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said Oregon will join a multi-state coalition filing a federal lawsuit challenging drastic operational changes at the Postal Service that some fear could undermine the national election on Nov. 3.
Rosenblum also said that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans than ever are relying on mail delivery services in order to protect their health.
“In general, older Oregonians rely heavily on the mail for essentials like medications, Social Security benefits and even groceries,” she said in a statement. “The policy changes have already impacted our country’s veterans, who are reporting much longer wait times to receive mail-order prescription drugs.”
In all, attorneys general in 20 states have filed lawsuits in an attempt to stop the changes. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy also announced he would halt some operational changes until after the November election amid the nationwide outcry. DeJoy is slated to testify before the U.S. Senate on Friday.