The statement below is from Freeholder Melinda Kane regarding attacks on the United States Postal Service and Vote by Mail.

“Recent reports in both regional and national publications have uncovered a disturbing effort which is underway to systematically incapacitate the U.S. Postal Service. Unfortunately, it is no coincidence that this effort is occurring during the run up to an election that will be largely conducted by mail. President Trump said so himself last week, admitting that he opposed additional funding to assist the USPS because it would allow states to employ widespread vote-by-mail balloting.

Let’s be clear: voting by mail is a safe and reliable way to cast your ballot, and the USPS should not be subject to political attacks.

Camden County casts more votes by mail than anywhere in the state of New Jersey and has done so without incident for many years. Vote by mail drop boxes have made this process even easier without sacrificing security. Furthermore, thousands of our residents rely on the USPS for the delivery of prescription medications, benefits checks, and other critical documentation. When we put the operation of the postal service and letter carriers’ ability to operate in jeopardy, we are risking the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

We should all be focused on making voting easier, not harder, especially during a pandemic which makes it dangerous to crowd into polling places and share voting machines. Camden County residents should rest assured that they will be able to safely cast their ballot, whether by mail, drop box, or in-person provisional ballot, this election season.

In short, this is another offensive ploy to tear down the institutions of our democracy by President Trump. I am sure the nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, is rolling over in his grave at the mere thought of the actions that have already been taken to deconstruct the postal service. Removing postal collection boxes and mail sorting machines are further proof that we need federal intervention to preserve the USPS and ensure it is prepared to process millions of ballots that will be submitted by mail come November.”

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