Lamont Issues Statement Regarding Attorney General Tong's Legal Challenge Over Operational Changes at the U.S. Postal Service

Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement on Tuesday applauding Attorney General William Tong’s announcement that Connecticut is joining a multi-state coalition that will file a federal lawsuit today challenging drastic operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service that threaten critical mail delivery ahead of the November election:

“I applaud Attorney General Tong for joining this critical multi-state coalition and taking action today to not only protect the health of our state’s citizens but our democracy, as well. During this pandemic, no one should be forced to choose between their health and their right to vote. Leading with public health and the welfare of residents, I granted additional access to the ballot via executive order – access that depends on the hardworking members of our U.S. Postal Service. Not only will mail-in ballots help to reduce and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 when Connecticut residents cast their ballots, but countless others – veterans, seniors, businesses and single parents – are counting on medicine, child support payments, and the ability to facility commerce through shipments from the postal service.

“This issue goes beyond democracy and hits at the root of fairness and equity. Not everyone can make it to a municipal drop box to ensure their vote counts, but with the help of the postal service we can ensure every voter can has the ability to safely have their vote counted and voice heard.

“I join with our attorney general in calling on the president to undo these harmful and unnecessarily destructive policies to the U.S. Postal Service.”