Bill Overview
Title: Election Mail Act
Description: This bill addresses the delivery and processing of election mail. Among other provisions, the bill requires same-day processing of mail-in ballots by the U.S. Postal Service, establishes certain standards for mail-in ballots, and requires states to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by election day and arrive within seven days after the election.
Sponsors: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: Registered voters using mail-in ballots and relevant election administrations
Estimated Size: 70000000
- The Election Mail Act impacts registered voters who use mail-in ballots for voting.
- The U.S. Postal Service employees processing these ballots will also be directly affected as their workflow changes.
- Election officials in each state will be responsible for adjusting their counting procedures according to the new requirements.
- There may be indirect impacts on other voters and stakeholders, such as political parties and advocacy groups, who rely on mail-in voting data.
Reasoning
- Registered voters using mail-in ballots are the primary population affected by the Election Mail Act. This includes those who have historically relied on mail-in voting due to health, travel, or preference, which was particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The policy aims to enhance the voting process reliability and timeliness. It could lead to improved voter satisfaction due to the assurance of ballot counting even if there are mailing delays.
- The cost includes adjusting postal operations and election procedures, which involves training, infrastructure changes, and communication to voters.
- A large portion of the budget is likely allocated to postal service upgrades and compliance with the new standard, which may enhance trust in the system and potentially improve voter turnout.
Simulated Interviews
Retired teacher (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely on mail-in ballots as I can't stand in long lines.
- This policy gives me confidence my vote will be counted even with mail delays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
IT specialist (Austin, Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined process can increase my trust in mail voting.
- I am indifferent otherwise, as usual voting at polls is convenient for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Postal worker (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could mean more stress due to increased workload.
- However, it ensures job security and importance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Election official (Miami, Florida)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy requires more coordination but it could improve efficiency.
- It provides more comprehensive guidelines for our operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (San Francisco, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief to know my mail-in ballot will count if delayed.
- Engaging in my home country's politics can be challenging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Factory worker (Cleveland, Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often work overtime and can't always make it to the polls.
- Knowing my mail ballot will be counted no matter what is comforting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
HR Manager (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Mail-in voting is a crucial option for many working parents.
- This policy reinforces the reliability of the voting process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Political Analyst (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could address some inconsistencies I've observed in mail-in voting data.
- It's important for trust in the democratic process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Manhattan, New York)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about my ballot arriving on time.
- This policy would relieve some anxiety regarding my vote being counted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Graduate student (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy makes mail-in voting an option for everyone more transparently.
- Voting should be as accessible as possible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $82000000 (Low: $61000000, High: $102000000)
Year 3: $84000000 (Low: $62000000, High: $104000000)
Year 5: $88000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $110000000)
Year 10: $96000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $200000000)
Key Considerations
- The USPS's infrastructure and workforce readiness to adapt to these changes without compromising other postal operations.
- Variability in state capabilities and willingness to comply with the new standards, especially in terms of funding and resources.
- Potential legal challenges or logistical hurdles related to the synchronization of federal and state election mail standards.