SALEM — Dozens of protestors showed support for the U.S. Postal service Saturday morning, gathering outside the Salem Post Office amid growing concerns that a series of federal changes within the agency have been designed to reduce mail-in voter access ahead of the 2020 election.
As she stood beside the front steps holding a large homemade sign that read “SAVE USPS,” Salem resident Flora Tonthat said she worries Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s recent cost-cutting measures — which include eliminating overtime pay, reducing post office hours, and removing mail-sorting machines from a number of USPS facilities — will severely impact the quality and cost of the country’s mail delivery system.
“I’m here to support the United States Postal Service,” said Tonthat, who added she plans to drop off her mail-in voter ballot directly at City Hall, rather than contribute to USPS’ rising mail volume. “They work hard every day and we need their services in every town, everywhere.”
Since DeJoy was appointed to his position by President Trump mid-June, widespread reports of mail delays have caused an uproar from those who fear changes are the administration’s attempt to meddle in an election that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, will see more mail-in votes than any other election in U.S. history.
In a widespread display of public anger, Saturday’s rally in Salem was one of more than 600 that took place across the country.
“What I think is going on in a larger sense is that the (Trump) administration would really love to just privatize the post office,” said event co-organizer Rod Kessler. “I sort of see what’s happening (with) the post office as more than just election interference, which is bad in and of itself, but part of a larger attempt to help people lose faith in government service.”
Kessler added that the purpose of the protest was to increase awareness of the situation among the general public.
“We still have an awful lot of people who don’t understand that there’s an issue going on,” he said.
In a statement released Aug. 18, DeJoy said the new changes he’s implemented are meant to secure the Postal Service’s success and long-term sustainability, and that significant reforms are crucial to that objective.
“In the meantime, there are some longstanding operational initiatives — efforts that predate my arrival at the Postal Service — that have been raised as areas of concern as the nation prepares to hold an election in the midst of a devastating pandemic,” he said. “To avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail, I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded.”
He also assured voters the USPS is still equipped to handle any volume of mail it receives this election season, adding: “Even with the challenges of keeping our employees and customers safe and healthy as they operate amid a pandemic, we will deliver the nation’s mail on time and within our well-established service standards.
“The American public should know that this is our No. 1 priority between now and election day. The 630,000 dedicated women and men of the Postal Service are committed, ready and proud to meet this sacred duty.”
Election concerns aside, some protestors still worry about what other effects these new changes will ultimately have on the U.S. mail delivery system.
Former postal worker Robin McGlone spent 35 years working for Salem’s post office. She said she also felt compelled to attend the rally due to her concerns that reduced funding to USPS will cause more than just difficulties with mail-in voting.
“The Post Office is a very refined institution. It’s impeccable the way they run it,” she said. “And veterans, elders, everybody needs their medications. It can actually kill them to not get their medications on time.”
However, McGlone said she also felt emboldened seeing the strong display of support for the Post Office and its workers.
“It’s such an inspiration,” she said. “It just goes to show that we the people are in charge.”
