Is the USPS Quietly Overhauling Mailboxes to Benefit Voter Security and Efficiency?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been making significant changes to its network of mailboxes, a move that has garnered much attention and controversy. While these changes have raised eyebrows, they are part of a long-standing and strategically planned process that aims to enhance service efficiency and ensure robust voter security.

Strategic Adjustments to Mailbox Infrastructure

The USPS has a long history of managing and adjusting its mailbox network. Over time, changes to the mailbox infrastructure have been made to align with demographic shifts and shifting demand for postal services.

Amid the ongoing discussions around mail-in voting and the prominence of the 2020 election, some changes to mailboxes have raised concerns. These changes, however, are part of a broader strategy to maintain cost-effectiveness, enhance security, and improve overall postal service delivery.

Addressing Security Concerns

One of the primary drivers behind recent mailbox modifications is the increase in theft incidents. The USPS has implemented stricter security measures, including the reinstallation of mailboxes in some areas, with very limited access openings. These modifications are designed to combat theft and ensure that only the most secure and reliable mailboxes are maintained.

Political Influence and Policy Changes

The turnover in Postal Service management under the current administration has also contributed to changes in the mailbox network. The new Postmaster General (PMG), Louis DeJoy, who has not previously worked for the USPS, has implemented policies that prioritize efficiency. This includes reducing mail collection, modifying sorting protocols, and changing delivery schedules, which have been criticized for potentially slowing down the mail stream.

Despite these changes, the USPS maintains that these are necessary adjustments rather than political maneuvers. The PMG’s PowerPoint presentations outlined plans to maintain service efficiency while ensuring that mail is processed as quickly and securely as possible.

Supporting Evidence for USPS Adjustments

The USPS’s authority to manage its network comprehensively is well-established. In 2000, the USPS processed 103 billion pieces of first-class mail, which has decreased to 54 billion by 2017. This drop is attributed to the rise of digital communication and e-commerce, which have significantly reduced the need for physical postal services.

The USPS has a policy of removing mailboxes that receive fewer than 25 pieces of mail per day over a two-week period. Similar actions are being taken with mail sorting machines. In 2016, over 14,000 mailboxes were removed, a trend that continues, with plans to remove more in the future.

Empirical Evidence on Mail-in Voting

The discussion around voting by mail has heightened concerns about security and election integrity. While proponents argue that mail-in voting is essential for ensuring public health and participation, critics point to a history of issues.

According to the 2020 Voter Tracking Project Report, one in five ballots in New York’s most recent mail-in congressional elections were rejected, and it took two months to declare a winner. In June, nearly 10% of all ballots in New Jersey’s municipal elections were rejected, and 4 individuals were indicted for fraud. In Nevada, over 223,000 ballots were returned as undeliverable in June, while only 305,000 total votes were cast.

These examples highlight the difficulties and failures associated with mail-in voting, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the voting process.

The Future of Postal Services

With the ongoing shifts in communication and demand for mail services, it is clear that the USPS must adapt. The goal is to maintain a cost-effective and efficient service while ensuring the security and integrity of the mail delivery system.

While changes to the mailbox network have been criticized, the USPS emphasizes that these actions are in line with the organization's long-term strategic goals. Moving forward, continued transparency and communication with the public will be crucial to maintaining trust and understanding of these critical efforts.

It is important to note that the USPS is capable of managing increased volumes of mail-in votes during election periods. The FY 2017 daily mail volume of 471 million is a significant figure, indicating that the USPS can handle substantial increases in volume, though it may require careful management and additional staff.

Conclusion

The purported changes to US mailboxes and postal services are part of a comprehensive strategy to address security, efficiency, and the increasing demands on the system. These actions are essential for the ongoing health and resilience of the USPS, particularly as the nation navigates the complexities of the 2020 election and beyond.