President Biden is appointing new members to the U.S. Postal Service board in an effort to protect mail-in ballots, according to attorney Joyce Vance.
Vance, a former federal prosecutor, noted that this move is part of a larger political strategy within the Postal Service. Recently, Republican lawyers have argued that mail-in ballots tend to favor Democratic candidates.
In her blog, Civil Discourse, Vance highlighted Biden’s nomination of former Congresswoman Val Demings and businessman William Zollars to the board of governors to enhance presidential influence over the Postal Service.
Biden’s earlier appointment of former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has also made headlines. The board consists of 11 members, with nine appointed by the President, similar to Supreme Court justices. The remaining members are the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General.
Vance, who identifies as a liberal Democrat, believes Biden is aiming to replace Trump-appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. She stated, “This is a crucial step toward removing DeJoy, who has implemented cost-cutting measures that have undermined mail delivery.”
She criticized DeJoy for dismantling sorting machines, which contributed to significant delays in mail delivery—affecting voting in key swing states before the 2020 election.
Vance explained that the board is the only entity with the authority to remove the Postmaster, and it has taken time for Biden to secure enough appointments to shift the board’s balance.
In related news, a federal judge dismissed a Republican lawsuit against a Mississippi law that allows mail-in ballots to be counted up to five days post-election if postmarked by Election Day. The judge found no conflict with federal law.
The Republican National Committee has contended that mail-in voting disadvantages their supporters, who are less inclined to vote by mail. This is particularly relevant with the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, which is projected to be competitive.
Recent polls indicate a shift in public opinion, with Vice President Kamala Harris’s favorability rating climbing to 43%, while Donald Trump has seen a decline from 40% to 36%.