USPS made mail slower to cut costs. Midterm ballots will test the system.
Summary
The U.S. Postal Service has slowed down mail delivery, missing even its lowered targets, according to a government report. This change affects rural areas more and raises concerns ahead of the midterm elections when many people send in ballots by mail.Key Facts
- The Postal Service added one to two days to some mail deliveries by switching some transport from air to ground starting in 2021.
- About 24,000 post offices far from regional centers will lose afternoon mail collection, impacting rural communities.
- The Postal Service must fund itself mostly through postage and still deliver to almost every U.S. address, even in places that are not profitable.
- Slower mail delivery affects important items like medications, bills, paychecks, and mail-in ballots.
- The timing is critical as millions of voters depend on USPS to send ballots in time for the midterms.
- The Postal Service has been operating more like a business, which some say has hurt service quality.
- USPS officials say they expect to meet their new targets and improve services soon.
- The Government Accountability Office wants USPS to explain how it will improve in its next strategic plan for 2027.
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