Voter registration cards and absentee ballot applications are once again available at Houston-area U.S. Post Offices, officials with the League of Women Voters of Houston announced today.

Earlier this month postal workers at more than a dozen post offices in the Greater Houston area told League volunteers they would not be allowed place the free voter materials in public areas. That number eventually grew to more than 50 locations by earlier this week, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle.

U.S. Postal Service regulations allow “non-profit civic leagues or organizations” and government agencies to place voter registration material in lobbies and public areas as long as they do not advocate for a candidate or party.

“The policy change took us by surprise,” said Annie Benifield Johnson, vice president of voter services for the Houston chapter. “The USPS has always been a vital partner in helping us empower voters.” League officials reached out to the offices of Houston-area Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia requesting a congressional investigation into the matter.

Friday, in response to the congressional inquiry, the U.S. Postal Service reversed course and said it was “clarifying” the policy and would allow distribution of voter information at post offices effective immediately. A copy of the letter is attached to this release. “We are very grateful to Congressmembers Garcia and Green for their help,” said LWV-Houston president MaryJane Mudd. “Our volunteers are already returning to post offices across the county, letter in hand, to place registration cards for eligible voters to see and use.” In Texas, October 5 is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming November election.

On Tuesday, September 22, the League of Women Voters will celebrate National Voter Registration Day with voter registration events nationwide. LWV-Houston, and other chapters in the Greater Houston area, are hosting drives at multiple locations throughout Houston and Harris County. For more information, and a listing of NVRD activities can be found at www.NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org/Events.