Maine AG joins coalition of states filing lawsuit to challenge changes to Postal Service

AUGUSTA (WGME) -- Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey has announced that he is joining a coalition of state Attorneys General in filing a federal lawsuit challenging nationwide operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service.

The lawsuit seeks to halt changes at the Postal Service.

Postal Service leader halts some operational changes amid outcry over mail delays

Frey says service and policy changes at the Post Office, including limiting staff overtime and so-called “late or extra shifts,” have impacted the prompt delivery of mail to Americans who rely on the Postal Service for everything from medical prescriptions to ballots.

Maine postal workers outraged by new policies, delivery delays

“The Trump Administration’s attempts to incapacitate the Post Office in the lead up to the 2020 general election constitute a clear effort to interfere with Mainers’ ability to vote safely by mail. Moreover, many Mainers, particularly in rural areas, rely on a fully-functioning postal service for essential needs from prescription drugs to social security checks,” Frey said. “These actions are unlawful, which is why I am joining a coalition of my colleagues across the country to protect the operation of the postal service and to hold the Trump administration accountable.”

Nearly 100,000 Mainers voted by mail in Maine’s 2020 primary election.

I-Team: 25% of Maine voters cast absentee ballot last presidential election, 75k by mail

“Maine has a proud tradition of voter participation and many Mainers choose to vote safely by mail,” Frey said. “I encourage Mainers to cast their ballots in the way they see fit, and I will fight to ensure that they are able to do so without interference.”

Gov. Mills 'deeply concerned' that mail-in ballots might not be counted in time

Last month the Postal Service notified many states, including Maine, that it could not guarantee delivery of ballots in accordance with state laws and deadlines.