Rallies to ‘save the post office’ held across the country

CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Nationwide rallies to “save the United States Postal Service” and remove Postmaster General Louis DeJoy were held Saturday in several states across the country.

The “Save the Post Office Saturday – Day of Action” rallies were organized by Moveon.org. The demonstrations outside of select post offices are in support of postal workers — particularly those who have lost income due to restructuring within the federal agency.

“To date, the USPS has not been included in any stimulus bills—though FedEx and UPS have been—and is at great risk of running out of money within a few months,” said a statement posted on Move.org’s website. “This would leave millions of Americans in the lurch and would wreak havoc for those who need to vote by mail. People impacted by COVID-19 and deployed members of the military and their families who rely on voting by mail would have to overcome unnecessary obstacles to exercise their right to vote.”

Organizers said all hosts of the satellite rallies are encouraged to set a participant limit of 50 or fewer attendees. Hosts are also expected to set limits in line with local, public health guidelines.

Dozens of organizations have backed the movement including MoveOn.org, RuralOrganizing.org, NAACP, Service Employees International Union, American Federation of Teachers and Working Families Party.

In Portland, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Oregon State Senator Shemia Fagan joined postal workers Saturday and rally attendees at the post office on 400 SE 103rd Drive.

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden speaks at a rally in Portland in support of the Postal Service August 22, 2020 (Photo courtesy NewsNation affiliate KOIN)

A number of groups gathered in Salt Lake City where demonstrators called for congress to pass the Delivering for America Act.

Local leaders from the NAACP and other civil rights organizations were also in attendance.

In northeast Ohio, community members gathered at the Westlake Branch Post Office as part of the national movement. Attendees were encouraged to wear masks and bring signs.

Many Democrats have expressed concerns that the Postal Service has the necessary resources it needs to handle the onslaught of election mail during the coronavirus pandemic.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified before the Senate on Friday, he said his “No. 1 priority” is to ensure election mail arrives on time.

NewsNation affiliates WJW, KTVX and KOIN contributed to this report.