The Postal Service, Democracy, and the Power of Collective Care
"Democracy is not lost in a single moment, but in quiet shifts, in the fading of oversight, in the slow unraveling of the institutions that hold us together. The postal service has long been a thread in that fabric—one that connects us, that carries our voices, our votes, our stories. To protect democracy, we must protect the systems that serve us all." - Mary Coughlin
The Postal Service, Democracy, and the Power of Collective Care
Democracy is not sustained by a single institution or a single election. It is upheld by the quiet, steady rhythms of a society committed to fairness, access, and shared responsibility. One of the most underappreciated yet essential pillars of that commitment is something many of us interact with daily—the United States Postal Service (USPS).
For centuries, the USPS has been more than just a mail carrier; it has been a bridge. A bridge between communities, between voices, between ballots and democracy. It ensures that no matter where we live—whether in the heart of a city or on the most rural of roads—we remain connected to one another. But right now, that bridge is at risk of being restructured in ways that could shift its priorities away from serving the people and toward serving political or financial interests.
What’s Happening?
Recent moves by the administration indicate a plan to dissolve the independent leadership of the USPS and place it under the control of the Commerce Department. This means the Postal Service—an institution designed to be nonpartisan and independent—would be placed directly under the oversight of the executive branch.
What does that mean for us? It means the potential for political influence over mail delivery, including mail-in ballots, prescription medications, small business shipments, and essential communications. It means a public service that has long been dedicated to equity could be shifted toward privatization or cost-cutting measures that leave millions without reliable access to affordable mail service. And it means we must be vigilant about protecting something that often goes unnoticed—until it’s gone.
Why This Matters to Democracy
At its core, the USPS has always been about access and equity. It is one of the few government services explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, designed to serve all people, regardless of wealth or location.
One of its most crucial roles? Ensuring that every voter has equal access to mail-in ballots. The Postal Service plays a critical role in elections, especially for:
Seniors and people with disabilities who rely on mail-in voting
Military personnel stationed overseas
Rural voters who don’t have easy access to polling places
Individuals who work multiple jobs or have caregiving responsibilities that make in-person voting difficult
The potential consequences of moving the USPS under direct executive control are not theoretical. In recent years, we have seen mail slowdowns before elections, changes in ballot handling policies, and financial constraints placed on USPS operations—all of which can have a disproportionate impact on voters.
If democracy is about ensuring that every voice is heard, then the infrastructure that allows us to participate must remain free from political influence. The moment we allow it to be reshaped to serve power rather than the people, we weaken the very foundation of democracy itself.
What Can We Do?
The good news is that we are not powerless. We have a say in how our institutions are shaped, and we can act to ensure that the USPS remains independent, reliable, and accessible to all.
🔹 Contact Congress – Call, write, or email your representatives and demand that they protect the independence of the USPS. You can find your representatives here.
🔹 Stay Informed – Pay attention to policy changes affecting USPS funding, leadership, and operations. Follow organizations that advocate for voting rights and mail accessibility, such as the Brennan Center for Justice and League of Women Voters.
🔹 Make a Voting Plan – If these changes move forward, it will be even more essential to vote early, use ballot drop boxes, and stay informed about your state’s mail-in voting deadlines. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
🔹 Support the Postal Service – Use USPS services, buy stamps, and support efforts to ensure that it remains a public institution committed to equitable service.
A Moment of Collective Responsibility
This is not about partisanship. It is about the systems that allow us to care for one another, to stay connected, and to fully participate in shaping our future. When we defend institutions like the Postal Service, we are defending something much larger—our shared commitment to fairness, accessibility, and the belief that democracy should belong to everyone.
As we move forward, let us do so with vigilance, with care, and with the deep understanding that the health of democracy depends on all of us.
#RevolutionToLove #ProtectOurVote #SaveTheUSPS
Democracy thrives when we show up. Justice prevails when we take action. Love leads when we refuse to look away.
The future is ours to shape—let’s rise together.
Mary
