The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has launched a nationwide campaign to defend and expand voting by mail, underscoring the essential role postal workers play in supporting the democratic process. The initiative includes the rollout of a new television advertisement and the release of bipartisan polling data showing strong public support for mail-in voting.
The campaign begins with the debut of a 30-second television commercial featuring a diverse group of voters sharing their reasons for choosing to vote by mail. The ad concludes with a clear message: “Vote by mail — keep it, protect it, expand it.” Initially airing in Ohio markets, the advertisement is part of a broader effort that will expand to additional states in the coming weeks.
As part of the campaign launch, APWU is also releasing results from a national poll conducted jointly by leading Democratic and Republican research firms, Hart Research and North Star Opinion Research. The findings highlight widespread bipartisan support for voting by mail, reinforcing its status as a trusted and valued option for millions of Americans.
Voting by mail has a long and well-established history in the United States, dating back to the Civil War, when soldiers cast ballots from the battlefield. Today, it remains a vital component of the nation’s election infrastructure. In the 2024 general election, approximately one in three voters nationwide used a mail ballot. All states currently offer some form of absentee or mail-in voting, with several states conducting elections almost entirely by mail. The option is particularly popular among older voters and those seeking a convenient and accessible way to participate in elections.
Despite its proven track record of security and reliability, voting by mail has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. The APWU’s campaign aims to counter efforts that seek to undermine public confidence in the system and to advocate for policies that ensure continued access to this critical voting method.
Through this campaign, postal workers are reaffirming their commitment to delivering not only the nation’s mail, but also the ballots that help sustain American democracy.