As is often the case, I'm not as alarmed as the media or others concerned about the decline of USPS capacity and its impact on the election. These considerations:
- the media have done their job of crying the alarm (and exaggerating it. One meme has been the need for USPS to deliver social security checks, but they've been direct deposit for years now. It's true that rural areas in particular are dependent on USPS. I agree with the mandate of universal service. I agree with Kevin Drum that current charges for first class are too low when compared to other countries. I agree with Charles Lane that charges for corporate mailings are too low, due to their lobby on Capitol Hill. And it's likely true that many of the changes De Joy has instituted are "good management", if not wise politically.)
- leaders are responding to the alarm. Michelle Obama urged in-person voting and/or voting early and ensuring that the ballot was received. Gov. Northam is pushing changes in VA arrangements in a special session of the legislature. We're 77 days out and given the publicity there will be a lot of changes across the country.
- Harshaw's rule says there will be glitches, widespread, but I'm predicting that the media around 10 pm on Nov. 3 will say the election has gone/is going better than the worse predictions.
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