Pritzker: Trump orchestrates illegal scheme to deny voting rights

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has strongly accused former President Donald Trump of orchestrating an "illegal" scheme aimed at controlling elections. Pritzker’s remarks came in response to a proposed rule by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) that he and eight other state governors argue would undermine election integrity.

The proposed USPS regulation would establish a "Federal Ballot Mail Portal." Under this system, states would be required to furnish the USPS with lists of individuals eligible for mail-in ballots. These lists would include unique barcodes for return envelopes, a move the governors contend transforms the postal service into an election administrator, a role they believe it should not fulfill.

In a public message, Pritzker urged David Steiner, head of the Postal Service, and Dale Kennedy, director of Product Classification, to reject the proposed amendment. "The Postal Service is not an election administrator. And yet, President Trump is once again orchestrating an illegal scheme to control them and deny people their right to vote," Pritzker stated. The nine governors collectively signed a letter opposing the regulation, asserting that the Constitution assigns the regulation of federal elections to the states and Congress, not the USPS.

The governors warned that the proposed system could lead to the rejection of legitimate ballots if they do not comply with the new requirements or match the provided lists. They expressed concern that this could empower the USPS to reject ballots from states unwilling to cede electoral authority. Furthermore, they cautioned that voter lists might become outdated before election day, potentially disenfranchising voters. The state leaders emphasized that local jurisdictions possess the practical experience to manage elections effectively and that federal intervention could complicate, rather than secure, the voting process.

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The Postal Service is not an election administrator. And yet, President Trump is once again orchestrating an illegal scheme to control them and deny people their right to vote.