The Daily Populous

Thursday April 23rd, 2020 evening edition

image for 'Working to Save Democracy': Postal Service Reaffirms Policy of Delivering Mail-In Ballots Even Without Postage

Postal Service on Wednesday once again confirmed why it is far and away the most popular government institution in the nation—and why it must be rescued from imminent collapse.

In a statement, USPS reiterated its longstanding policy of delivering absentee and mail-in ballots even if they lack adequate postage.

"It is the Postal Service's policy not to delay the delivery of completed absentee or vote-by-mail ballots even if no postage has been affixed or if the postage is insufficient," the agency said.

"In cases where a ballot enters the mailstream without the proper amount of postage," the USPS said, "the Postal Service will collect postage from the appropriate Board of Elections.".

Civil rights groups argue that requiring voters to pay for postage for mail-in and absentee ballots is unconstitutional.

In a federal lawsuit filed against Georgia election officials earlier this month, the ACLU called the state's requirement that voters pay for postage on mail-in ballots "tantamount to a poll tax.".

Lawmakers and advocates are demanding that Congress include Postal Service funding in the next coronavirus stimulus package. »

France is barring firms registered in offshore tax havens from its government coronavirus bailout, following similar bans in Denmark and Poland

Authored by businessinsider.com
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Last Saturday, Denmark had enforced a similar measure, following the lead of authorities in Poland in early April.

France has allocated 110 billion euros, or $108 billion, to save its businesses amid the coronavirus crisis.

France plans to block firms registered in offshore tax havens from claiming aid from its government coronavirus bailout, following similar moves by Denmark and Poland. »

Tickets for speeding in excess of 100 mph surge 87% amid coronavirus shutdown, CHP says

Authored by latimes.com
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With freeway traffic down significantly because of the statewide stay-at-home order, the California Highway Patrol said Wednesday there has been an alarming 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph.

In the month after the start of the stay-at-home order March 19, the CHP issued 2,493 tickets throughout California for speeding more than 100 mph.

“Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur.”. »

Australia says all WHO members should back coronavirus inquiry

Authored by reuters.com
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Morrison’s comments came just hours after a senior Australian government official called on G20 nations to end wildlife wet markets over concerns they pose a threat to human health and agricultural markets.

Wet markets are a key facet of China’s daily life, though not all sell wildlife.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said on Thursday he had asked government officials from the Group of 20 major economies to back a plan to end wildlife wet markets. U.S. officials have also called for wildlife wet markets across Asia to be closed. »