Nevada Officials Rally Against USPS Plan Amid Blizzard Fallout

Following a weekend blizzard that paralyzed the California-Nevada border, Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar has issued a stern rebuke against the United States Postal Service (USPS) over its decision to transfer mail sorting operations from Reno to Sacramento.

Aguilar’s condemnation comes after growing concerns about the potential ramifications of such a move, particularly in light of recent weather-related disruptions that saw critical mail trapped in the snow-covered mountains. His statement, expressing disbelief at the prospect of explaining to constituents the consequences of their mail getting stranded due to what he termed a “rushed process and lack of foresight,” underscores the gravity of the situation.

The issue gained significant traction after the Washoe County Commission unanimously opposed the USPS proposal, with Commissioner Mike Clark criticizing the lack of public engagement and transparency surrounding the decision. The opposition has since gained bipartisan momentum, with Republican Congressman Mark Amodei and Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen joining forces to voice their concerns directly to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. In a letter highlighting the potential impact on mail service reliability, local economy, and jobs, the delegation emphasized the implications for mail-in ballots, particularly given the upcoming elections.

Election officials, including Washoe County Interim Registrar Cari-Ann Burgess, have also sounded alarms, warning of potential disruptions to the electoral process. In an interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal, Burgess expressed skepticism about the reliability of mail-in ballots under the proposed changes, suggesting that voters might need to resort to alternative methods.

The chorus of opposition has expanded to include Governor Joe Lombardo, who penned a letter reiterating concerns about the detrimental impact on Northern Nevada residents and commerce. Lombardo emphasized the risks of compromising reliable mail service for vulnerable populations and urged the USPS to reconsider its decision.

The proposed relocation has also drawn criticism from various state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Health and Human Services, which stand to be adversely affected by the move.

As the debate intensifies, Nevada officials are united in their determination to push back against what they perceive as a misguided and potentially harmful decision by the USPS. With concerns mounting over the reliability of mail services and the integrity of elections, the stakes have never been higher for the Silver State.