Statement of NALC President William H. Young
On Bush-Cheney Charge About Letter Carriers

"I am outraged at the allegation – without any substantiation – by the Bush-Cheney campaign that letter carriers may be attempting to influence the presidential election by failing to deliver election material in Florida and other states. Letter carriers for over a century have played a vital role in maintaining the integrity of our nation's election process and have no interest in altering that tradition by attempting to sabotage the results of this election.

"It is a shame the Bush-Cheney campaign chose to denigrate the reputation of hard-working letter carriers across the nation by publicizing these unsubstantiated rumors without any evidence of their validity.

"The Bush-Cheney campaign owes every letter carrier in America an apology."

Mr. John Potter
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20260-0010

Dear Mr. Potter:

Recently the Bush-Cheney campaign received anecdotal reports that mail carriers in Florida and elsewhere have suggested that they would consider failing to deliver ballot materials from homes that “appear Republican.” This type of behavior is both morally reprehensible and illegal.

I write to seek your assurance that all employees of the United States Postal Service appreciate the importance of delivering ballot and election materials as quickly as possible, regardless of the perceived partisan affiliation of the voter. Given the large number of absentee ballots expected in this election, it is crucial that individual mail carriers understand their important role in the protection of our democracy.

With this concern in mind, I respectfully request that you issue a reminder to USPS employees that all election and balloting materials should be delivered expeditiously, without regard to partisan affiliation. Voters in America must be able to trust their mail carriers not to slow or destroy absentee ballots or absentee ballot applications.

I would greatly appreciate any information you can offer on this topic, especially regarding past actions your office has taken to ensure the integrity of ballot mail. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Josefiak
General Counsel
cc: David Williams
USPS Inspector General