During Colorado’s Primary Election Week, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push For USPS to Ensure Timely Delivery of Mail in Ballots

This press release from Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) was published on 2026-06-29 and titled "During Colorado’s Primary Election Week, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push For USPS to Ensure Timely Delivery of Mail in Ballots".

During Colorado’s Primary Election Week, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push For USPS to Ensure Timely Delivery of Mail in Ballots

WASHINGTON – During Colorado’s primary election week, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) led an effort with Representative Kim Schrier (WA-08) pushing for more reliable delivery for mail-in ballots, particularly for rural communities, which have experienced longstanding mail service delays. In a letter sent today to the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Members demanded answers on the specific steps USPS has been taking to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of election mail. Colorado and Washington are both universal mail in ballot states, where every registered voter automatically receives a ballot in the mail. But rural and mountain communities across Colorado’s Seventh District, such as Silver Cliff and Poncha Springs, have faced persistent mail delivery challenges, including longer wait times, delayed delivery, and the unexpected closures, leaving entire communities without postal service. As millions of voters prepare to cast their votes this week in the upcoming primary elections, many depend on reliable access to mail in ballots to ensure that their votes are cast and counted on time. The Members’ effort also comes on the coattails of mounting threats to mail‑in voting systems nationwide, punctuated by recent testimony from Postmaster General David Steiner indicating the USPS could withhold mail ballots from states that do not provide the federal government with lists of voters who have requested absentee or mail ballots. In their letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the lawmakers requested detailed information on USPS's election mail preparedness, including how the agency is addressing persistent service gaps in rural areas, mitigating workforce and transportation challenges, coordinating with state and local election officials, and ensuring ballots are delivered on time so every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. “Millions of Coloradans depend on voting by mail, especially in our rural communities where polling locations can be few and far between. We’re proud to have one of the most secure election systems in the nation, one that I helped build during my time in the State Legislature. These primaries are the voters’ first chance this year to make their voices heard on Trump’s disastrous policies for the past two years, but our rural communities have been dealing with delays that could jeopardize their ability to make sure their votes are counted on time.” said Pettersen. “Our democracy works best when everyone has a chance to have their voice heard. At a time when Trump is trying to attack mail in voting and rig both the primaries and the upcoming midterm elections by making it harder for people to vote, we should be doing everything we can to make sure that rural voters don’t get left behind just because of where they live.” “The ability to participate freely and fairly in elections is not only a core principle of democracy, but is central to who we are as Americans,” said Schrier. “Right now, the Trump Administration’s attack on mail-in ballots, voter eligibility, and local election systems threatens the ability of my constituents to vote – especially those who live in rural communities far away from in-person voting options. Washington state’s mail-in voting system is one of the best in the country and, for decades, has increased the ability of all Washingtonians to make their voices heard each November. I am proud to lead the effort to ensure USPS is taking the necessary steps to deliver timely, reliable, and secure election mail for rural Americans.” The full version of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Postmaster General Steiner, We write to request information regarding the United States Postal Service’s preparedness to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of election mail leading up to the upcoming federal elections, with particular attention to service in rural and mountain communities. Across the country, the Postal Service plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting local economies, and ensuring access to critical services. That role is especially important in rural areas, where residents often depend on USPS as their primary and sometimes only reliable connection to mail delivery, including medications, essential goods, and election materials. However, persistent service gaps in rural communities continue to raise serious concerns. In many areas, residents experience longer delivery times, inconsistent service, and limited access to postal facilities. These challenges are often compounded by workforce shortages, delivery route constraints, transportation delays, and geographic barriers such as mountainous terrain and long travel distances between delivery points. In some communities, post offices operate with reduced hours or limited staffing, further restricting access for residents who already face fewer alternatives. Recent oversight findings and constituent reports have highligh