Congressman Larsen Says Closure of Everett Postal Facility May Interfere With Primary Election

Larsen has been fighting to keep the Everett Mail Processing Facility open

Congressman Rick Larsen is keeping his push on for Postmaster General to reverse his decision to close the Mail Processing Facility on Hardeson Road in South Everett. In the past Larsen has cited jobs and rural connections as reasons for keeping the facility open. This week Larsen added the all-mail primary election in August as reason to keep the Everett plant open. Here’s the letter he sent to the Postmaster General…

May 30, 2012

The Honorable Patrick R. Donahoe

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-0010

Mr. Donahoe:

I continue to urge reversal of the decision to close the Everett Area Mail Processing Facility. Further, I urge you to ensure the Everett facility is not included on the August closure list.

As you mentioned in your letter, consolidation efforts will be suspended during the period between September 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012 due to election and holiday seasonal mailing demands. As Washington residents vote entirely by mail, timely mail processing is critical to ensuring the integrity of our election process.

The postmark deadline for ballots in Washington state’s primary election is August 7, and the Secretary of State is required to certify to returns by August 24. This means that mail service in August must not be interrupted or delayed. I am particularly concerned about the potential impact of a closure process in August on ballots submitted by my constituents deployed overseas in our Armed Forces, or living in rural areas such as eastern Whatcom and Skagit counties, and in the San Juan Islands.

I ask that you postpone the closure of the Everett facility as I continue to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help restore the Postal Service’s financial footing while maintaining high quality service for my constituents in Northwest Washington.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen

U.S. Representative
Washington State, 2nd District