The Biden administration wants to give the U.S. Postal Service $5 billion to improve its capacity to deliver ballots and other election mail, saying it would help support free and fair elections.
The White House’s proposal would provide $500 million per year for 10 years and would require that all ballots and related materials are free to mail. It would also reduce the cost of other election-related mail for jurisdictions and voters and enhance services in underserved areas. The funding request comes after postal management faced significant outcry and litigation over its efforts in the runup to the 2020 election.
“This proposal expands on the essential public services that the Postal Service provides to the American people and will also help to relieve budget strain on local election offices across the country,” the White House said.