In November, voters will make decisions at the ballot box on numerous federal, state, and local candidates, and multiple initiatives and referendums. Issues like our public Postal Service, workers’ rights, infrastructure, climate, and voting rights are all on the line and in the hands of voters. That’s why the APWU staunchly supports “Get Out the Vote” and vote at home initiatives to elect leaders who will fight for postal workers and our issues. We know that by guaranteeing the ability of our neighbors to vote safely and easily, we are giving them a say in how our government works for the people.
We know that it’s not always easy to make the time to go vote, especially for working families. That’s why we lobby Congress to pass Vote-by-Mail initiatives, such as the Vote at Home Act of 2023, (S.700 in the Senate and its companion bill H.R. 1439 in the House). If passed, this legislation would:
- Require automatic voter registration.
- Allow every registered voter to receive a ballot with pre-paid return postage.
- Grant the Postal Service funds to cover election mail costs.
Voting at home with Vote-by-Mail ballots means less time at the polling place and more time to make informed decisions about your vote. This bill seeks to expand access to the ballot box for all, especially those with disabilities who may have difficulty leaving their home.
The APWU also ardently supports voter protection legislation, such as the Freedom to Vote Act (H.R. 11 and S. 2344). This bill would strengthen and expand voting rights by:
- Making Election Day a federal holiday.
- Mandating two weeks of early voting.
- Expanding voter registration through automatic, same-day, and online registration.
- Requiring states to allow Vote-by-Mail and eliminate burdensome excuse requirements.
- Banning partisan gerrymandering.
- Strengthening disclosure requirements for money in politics.
The APWU has always fought to protect the right to vote. Although Congress passed the Voting Rights Act nearly 60 years ago, most states have put up barriers to voting access. Tactics to suppress voter turnout include restrictions on voter registration, strict ID requirements, voter roll purges, partisan gerrymandering, and limited access to early voting and Vote-by-Mail.
The APWU will continue to fight for legislation that guarantees safe and secure elections for all, removes excessive voter ID requirements, makes Election Day a federal holiday, and expands early voting and Vote-by-Mail. We know that voting by mail will always be a key part of making sure that working people’s voices are heard. The APWU is proud to defend the integrity of Vote-by-Mail and continue the Postal Service’s more than 150-year tradition of enabling the American people to safely and securely send their ballots in the mail.
“It is crucial that everyone goes to vote.org to check their voter registration status today!” said Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard. “Due to recent voter roll purges across the country, ask your coworkers, friends, and family to check their status as well to ensure they are all active voters.