Ok, here's a list of #USPS actions for anyone who needs it, divided with federal/state/local actions.
1. Please share as needed.
2. I want to stress: because we are still in a pandemic, states/local gov. are willing to consider emergency options they normally wouldn't.
1. Please share as needed.
2. I want to stress: because we are still in a pandemic, states/local gov. are willing to consider emergency options they normally wouldn't.
If I'm recommending it, it's because I think it merits an ask/it's based on experience + it's not out of the realm of possibility!
I'm definitely not going to tell you to waste your time on something that doesn't make sense.
Also, a LOT of action points, so using
I'm definitely not going to tell you to waste your time on something that doesn't make sense.
Also, a LOT of action points, so using



A. Legislation



Because they're home:
Call the *district offices* or DOs of your Senators.
The full list of your Senators is here: https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Click through on their names to go to their website, and find their district offices. You can also email or fax in a message.



The #HeroesAct is emergency funding for the USPS + COVID-related problems.
But the USPS's longer-term financial problems are because of a *2006 GOP law* which requires retirements be pre-funded.
@NALC_National wanted to cancel this in 2018: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/its-the-prefunding-stupid


Please make sure you tell electeds (especially GOP):
You *know* USPS's financial challenges are because of pre-funding, because they're blaming/excusing DeJoy's changes due to structural issues.
Here's a report discussing pre-funding, if needed: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/its-the-prefunding-stupid




Additional talking points on why urgent legislation is needed:
USPS are frontline workers who deserve hazard pay,
USPS anticipated a $13 billion revenue loss in April due to COVID. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/politics/postal-service-congress-help/index.html
USPS workers need PPE.








B. Investigations/Hearings
There are multiple investigations/hearings in Congress right now over DeJoy's actions, including:
@SenGaryPeters requesting public input re: #USPS slowdowns as Ranking Member of Homeland Security/ Governmental Affairs: https://www.peters.senate.gov/postal
There are multiple investigations/hearings in Congress right now over DeJoy's actions, including:


https://oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2020-08-03%20CBM%20to%20DeJoy%20-PMG%20re%20Witness%20Invite.pdf



E.g. @Sen_JoeManchin: https://www.wdtv.com/2020/08/14/manchin-tours-harrison-county-post-office/




C. Federal candidates/campaigns
More of an indirect list of actions, but every candidate running for federal office right now should be able to:
Explain why USPS has been losing $ (pre-funding!)
What actions they've taken to save USPS/help voting (for incumbents)
More of an indirect list of actions, but every candidate running for federal office right now should be able to:



This is important, because the challenges w/ USPS are not short-term. We need officials who get the longer term battle.




(And honestly: having the right electeds really does matter.
A graduate school classmate wrote her final paper on how frustrating it was for her to see USPS pushed aside as an issue year after year, because it hasn't been urgent... until now.
Support electeds who prioritize)
A graduate school classmate wrote her final paper on how frustrating it was for her to see USPS pushed aside as an issue year after year, because it hasn't been urgent... until now.
Support electeds who prioritize)


Points addressed:





(Add own points as needed)
Also, link error in this tweet -
https://twitter.com/Celeste_pewter/status/1294467369650159617?s=20
Here's the link to the report from the Congressional Research Service covering the negative impacts of pre-funding:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40983.pdf
https://twitter.com/Celeste_pewter/status/1294467369650159617?s=20
Here's the link to the report from the Congressional Research Service covering the negative impacts of pre-funding:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40983.pdf


State level actions need to be a big focus when it comes to the impact of #USPS and voting in November.
Why, you ask? Because our system of voting is decentralized and it's state-by-state.
The actions here are more direct & immediate action for each of us.

E.g. Newsom did this in California: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bill-to-send-a-mail-ballot-to-every-active-15349881.php





E.g. This happened today. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/08/14/beshear-adams-unveil-kentucky-voting-plan-november-elections/5584784002/
Is this something you can ask of Gov./SoS?


This is tough, because COVID deficits being experienced at all levels of gov. BUT still worth asking.
Individual (and this overlaps with County)
When will your ballot be mailed (if being mailed?) How long does it usually take to get there?
If it doesn't arrive, do you know what to do?
Can you vote early? What's the earliest you can vote?





It's generally accepted people w/ voting plans will vote. Ask friends/family these questions too.


Can you start preparing early to make sure you have everything you need? https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/valid-forms-id


There's a severe shortage of poll workers right now, because of COVID, and older poll workers pulling out. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/13/politics/poll-worker-shortage-2020-election/index.html
If you're able, working Election Day and making it as safe and efficient as possible for others to vote, is a big act of patriotism.
Consider finding your state here, and follow the instructions on your individual state pages https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/become-a-poll-worker
Consider finding your state here, and follow the instructions on your individual state pages https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/become-a-poll-worker
When you're done with your application, follow the instructions on how bring it back to your *local county registrar*, because that's who's point on this.
Script template
Talking points covered:
What has already been done
What WILL be done, given federal news?


Talking points covered:




Your county registrar of voters is the local body putting on elections in your area.

Because they + their team will be overseeing issues on Election Day. Know who to call.
A lot of what I said in the state section apply here, so I'll keep it short. Use your county registrar to figure out:
Figure out when your ballot (if by mail)
Are there local drop-off locations?
Or what's your local vote center/polling location?



Beyond just voting, your county registrar is your point to:
Reach out if you want to volunteer to be a poll worker (check requirements; what they need, etc.)
(Jointly, with your County Board): Reach out and ask if they have plans to expand vote collection given USPS.


E.g. Can they arrange for:
Additional polling locations?
Additional drop-off locations/boxes/collection points?
E.g. my old office building used to have a regular box in the lobby, watched over by building security. Is this something that can be replicated?


E.g. my old office building used to have a regular box in the lobby, watched over by building security. Is this something that can be replicated?


Under normal circumstances, a lot of things would already be locked into place.
But because of COVID, things are shifting, so it doesn't hurt to *ask* - e.g. what we saw in Kentucky today. Asking encourages staff to realize there's an issue, and encourages them to solve it.
But because of COVID, things are shifting, so it doesn't hurt to *ask* - e.g. what we saw in Kentucky today. Asking encourages staff to realize there's an issue, and encourages them to solve it.


Talking points:





I think it's important for all us to remember it can't be easy to work for USPS right now. Can you support your local mail carrier/postal staff/see what they need?


Because if you remember: #HeroesAct provided urgent PPE $, but it *hasn't passed*.

And they're out in a pandemic. How can we make it easier on them? It doesn't hurt to ask.