We are watching voter suppression occur before our eyes. It is time to make good trouble.

The United States Postal Service is a lifeline for millions of Americans, particularly in rural communities and particularly during this pandemic. We depend on trustworthy and timely mail service to deliver letters from loved ones, Social Security checks, prescription medications — and yes, ballots.

More Americans than ever are planning to vote by mail in the upcoming election. Voting by mail is an accurate and contact-free way to make your voice heard during this pandemic. President Trump knows this, and he is working to sabotage the system.

The President placed a campaign donor and friend at the head of the USPS to sign off on his requests. Now, sorting machines have been disabled and workers forced to sort mail by hand, mailboxes have been removed from primarily African American neighborhoods, and budget cuts have left post offices unstaffed with no advance notice. 

These actions are intended to suppress votes and undermine public trust in the democratic process. President Trump admitted it himself. Considering the historical suppression of African American voters, I am alarmed that the White House would stoop to these tactics — and that they are willing to destroy the entire Postal Service in the process.

I have fought for voting rights throughout my career in Congress, and I will continue this fight as long as I must. We cannot sit by and watch this happen. We must defend the USPS and the fundamental right to vote. We must make good trouble.

Paid for by Sanford Bishop for Congress