Faster Postal Service Boosts Voter Turnout Regardless of Mail Voting Laws
A recent study conducted by Washington State University reveals that a more efficient U.S. Postal Service (USPS) can significantly increase voter turnout in all states, irrespective of their mail voting laws. The study, led by Michael Ritter, analyzed election data from 2012 to 2020 and found that mail voting laws played a crucial role in determining the likelihood of individuals voting. Laws that made mail voting more accessible, such as universal mail-in voting and no-excuse mail voting, increased the probability of voting. Conversely, restrictive laws that demanded a witness’s signature or identification had a negative impact.
The study found that faster postal service specifically helped increase the likelihood of voting in states with restrictive mail voting laws, boosting the probability that individuals voted by 3.42%. Ritter, the lead author of the study, emphasized that having better postal administration improved voter turnout outcomes linked to all mail voting laws across the board. In states with the most restrictive mail voting laws like Alabama, the study determined that the probability of an individual voting was 62%, which was lower compared to states with universal all-mail voting like Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Colorado, where the probability was 70%. States with no-excuse absentee laws that allowed voters to request mail-in ballots for any reason had a probability of 65%.
The speed of mail delivery plays a critical role in whether a ballot arrives on time to be counted. The study also highlighted that a significant number of mail ballots were not counted during the 2020 election due to delayed delivery. This suggests that an efficient postal service is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the voting process.
The study identified cure laws as a factor that pushed voter probability higher by up to 3.2%. These laws allow officials to contact voters if any issues arise with their mail-in ballot, such as a missing signature, giving voters a chance to correct the problem and have their vote counted.
The efficiency of postal services was disrupted in 2020 due to the pandemic, with a surge in people voting by mail and the reduction of postal processing machines. The study emphasized that voter fraud, including mail-in voting fraud, is exceptionally rare in the United States, despite false claims made by then-President Trump.
The findings of this study will have implications for future elections, as mail voting continues to be a popular method of voting for various groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and those seeking convenience. Therefore, ensuring a well-functioning postal administration will continue to be critical in driving higher voter turnout.
As disputes over mail-in voting are expected to persist, evaluating the role of postal administration in elections becomes even more important. The study highlights that in states with restrictive mail voting laws, an efficient postal service can make a significant difference in tipping the balance for individuals who may be undecided about voting by mail or not voting at all.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of a faster, more efficient postal service in increasing voter turnout, regardless of the mail voting laws in place. It underlines the need for improved postal administration to ensure timely delivery of mail-in ballots and encourage broader participation in the democratic process.
