A whistleblower within the U.S. Postal Service has raised concerns that the agency is hastily implementing a new system for managing election mail that has not undergone sufficient testing, potentially jeopardizing mail-in ballots. The whistleblower, who remains anonymous, is represented by Whistleblower Aid. Geoff Bennett interviewed David Kligerman, senior vice president and special counsel for Whistleblower Aid, regarding these allegations.
Kligerman explained that the whistleblower possesses significant knowledge of the decision-making processes within the Postal Service, which supports the credibility of their claims. The whistleblower reportedly became concerned about the agency's actions after observing issues related to governance and subsequently sought assistance from Whistleblower Aid.
The core of the whistleblower's allegations is that the Postal Service is advancing a new system for handling election mail that has not been adequately tested. Kligerman outlined two primary concerns: an information technology issue and a systemic issue. He noted that the system was developed in a compressed timeframe of eight weeks, which is significantly shorter than the typical one to two years required for such a complex system. Kligerman stated that the system has not been properly integrated or tested, leading to potential failures in processing ballots.
Additionally, the whistleblower claims that the Postal Service continued to work on this system despite a federal court order to halt its development. In response, the Postal Service stated that its activities have been consistent with court orders, highlighting a recent ruling that allows the agency to continue establishing the portal and communicating with states regarding design standards.
Kligerman contended that the Postal Service's actions may violate earlier court orders, as the agency had previously acknowledged that its work was in violation of an injunction. He expressed concern over the urgency with which the Postal Service is proceeding, suggesting that the system is intended for the upcoming election rather than for future use.
When asked about the most pressing unanswered question regarding the system, Kligerman emphasized the need for clarity on how the Postal Service believes the system will function effectively and what measures are in place if it fails. He indicated that, should oversight mechanisms fail to address these allegations, the courts may be the only recourse available, with ongoing legal proceedings expected to continue.
David Kligerman concluded the interview by reiterating the potential constitutional and administrative law implications of the situation, noting that the current legal challenges could escalate to the Supreme Court if necessary.