The Cato Institute warns that the USPS's current handling of mail balloting poses a significant risk of systemic failure ahead of major elections. Key concerns include whistleblower allegations regarding 'batch rejection protocols,' which could invalidate thousands of legitimate ballots, coupled with documented slowdowns in delivery speed and increased rejections for lateness. This instability suggests potential operational or political interference aimed at undermining mail voting integrity. Consequently, the article advises that voters and state election officials must plan to bypass the USPS system by utilizing alternative secure methods, such as drop boxes or early in-person voting, to ensure timely ballot submission.
Freeing Workers to Work: The Case for Removing Occupational Licensing Barriers
English Summary
The article argues that occupational licensing barriers are counterproductive, restricting worker mobility and overall economic efficiency rather than ensuring quality. Contrary to common belief, evidence suggests that countries with high rates of licensing tend to exhibit lower per capita output, larger informal economies, and weaker governance indicators like rule of law. Policymakers should therefore consider reducing or eliminating unnecessary licenses, as this measure could boost labor supply, improve economic performance, and enhance overall regulatory quality.
中文摘要
本文論述職業執照壁壘是反效果的,其作用並非確保品質,反而限制了勞工流動性及整體經濟效率。與普遍認知相反,證據顯示,那些擁有高比例執照國家往往呈現較低的每人產出、更大的非正式經濟體系,以及法治等治理指標偏弱的現象。因此,政策制定者應考慮減少或取消不必要的執照規定,因為此舉不僅能提升勞動力供給,改善經濟表現,更有助於提高整體監管品質。
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