Despite concerns about the integrity of the election system ahead of an expected surge of mail-in ballots this year due to the pandemic, U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Benjamin Hovland said that election officials across the country have trust in the system. “I think it’s really unfortunate,” Hovland said of repeated attacks on mail-in voting, including by the president. Hovland was appointed to his position by President Donald Trump in 2019. “And the reality is, the American voters are making this decision” to vote by mail, he said, adding that it was important U.S. voters have a lot of options -- including vote-by-mail and access to safe polling places if they are healthy and able -- when they head to the polls. He also said the U.S. Postal Service was well equipped to handle the volume of mail expected in the weeks leading up to election day, but cautioned that ensuring ballots are delivered on time will be important: “Don’t wait until that deadline,” he said, addressing U.S. voters. Hovland spoke with PBS NewsHour political reporter Daniel Bush ahead of the third night of the Republican National Convention.

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