Free and fair elections are the hallmark of our democracy. Our country’s democracy is strongest when we all vote. Whether you’re Black or white, Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, we all stand to benefit from more robust political participation.

In light of the pandemic, fair access to vote-by-mail has become more essential to ensuring a safe election. The Centers for Disease Control itself had issued interim guidance in response to the heightened risk of COVID-19 spread, in which they recommended voters utilize alternative voting methods that minimize direct contact and reduce crowd size at polling locations, including voting by mail.

Recent attacks on the United States Postal Service only served to disenfranchise millions of American voters and threaten the integrity of the U.S. election process. That’s why it’s good to hear that advocacy from millions of Americans has led to the Postmaster General suspending widely criticized cuts.

While this announcement is a positive step, there’s still more that can be done to ensure that every American can vote, safely and confidently, in person and by mail.

We owe it to one another and our democracy to not sit this one out and ensure that every vote counts.

There are 77 days until the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election.

NEWS AROUND THE SOUTH

Several southern states — including NC and VA — considering legal action against Trump administration over USPS and mail-in voting [CNN]

Alabama
Before announcement of USPS cuts, central Alabama was experiencing mail, package delays [ABC 33/40]

Arkansas
USPS Attorney: There is a ‘significant risk’ that USPS will fail to deliver some Arkansas ballots in time to be counted in November even when returned promptly [Magnolia Banner-News]

Florida
Postal Service tells Florida its deadlines for mail ballots could lead to rejected votes [Miami Herald]

Mississippi
Lawsuits being filed against MS to make absentee ballot voting easier by allowing more people to classify as having a ‘temporary physical disability’ in order to vote by mail [WBLT]