Some similar locks prevent mail from being removed from the mailboxes, but still allow mail to be deposited. The Associated Press and Snopes found claims that those mailbox locks were evidence of voter suppression to be false and mostly false, respectively. Images of similar mailbox locks in Burbank, California, circulated on social media in mid-August.
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“In these instances, if municipal, state, or other responsible officials informed local postal officials that they wanted boxes removed from in front of prominent buildings or other suspected potential targets, the Postal Service complied with those requests,” the Postal Service responded to an administrative complaint about box removals in 2002.įact check: All mailed ballots – called 'absentee' and not – require voter verification Postal Service uses similar locks to prevent theft The Postal Service has also removed boxes to address security threats. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks and anthrax attacks in 2001, the Postal Service removed more than 20,000 boxes. On July 5, 2018, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the same locks were used in Brooklyn Heights to help prevent terrorist attacks during the Independence Day firework show. On July 19, 2016, the Postal Service announced some Philadelphia collection boxes would temporarily be locked while the city hosted the Democratic National Convention. Postal Service has used collection box locks beforeīusiness Insider Australia reported the same locks were used along New York City's Pride parade route in June 2016. Social media posts have offered conflicting accounts of the photo’s origins, with some attributing it to Southfield, Michigan, and others claiming it’s from Seattle. Neither USA TODAY nor Postal Service could identify when and where the photo in the meme was taken. Partenheimer did not respond to USA TODAY's questions regarding any possible anticipated use of such locks ahead of Election Day in November, when greater than usual reliance on mail-in voting is expected. “These locks are used to secure collection boxes from misuse and are removed once the event is over or the security concern has passed.” Mail, Postal Inspectors often recommend security measures, like these temporary locking devices, during large gatherings such as parades, community events or protests that may draw large crowds near USPS collection boxes,” the email statement read. “In support of our mission to protect the U.S. One of those solutions is using collection box locks like the one pictured in the meme. “Our security specialists analyze risks at postal facilities and implement solutions to minimize risks to employees and facilities.” “The security part of the Postal Inspection Service’s mission means ensuring postal employees, customers, and over 32,000 postal facilities are safe from criminal attack,” states the division's website. The Postal Inspection Service is the law enforcement and security division responsible for the security of post office infrastructure and employees. Postal Inspection Service uses locks to temporarily address security concerns. In an email statement, Postal Service public relations manager Dave Partenheimer told USA TODAY the U.S. We Make Michigan has not responded to USA TODAY's request for comment.įact check: Online post questioning voting by mail is missing context The Postal Service says locks are used temporarily for security concerns "THIS COLLECTION BOX HAS BEEN LOCKED DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN OR USE," states a message on the lock. The meme shows an image of a Postal Service collection box with a red lock device.
“What voter suppression looks like in the middle of a pandemic,” claims a viral meme We Make Michigan posted to Facebook on Aug. At the same time, Trump donor and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's operational cutbacks and financial interest in the Postal Service's private competitors are aggravating suspicions that the Postal Service is working to suppress mail-in voters in order to benefit Trump. With Election Day fast approaching and COVID-19 keeping many Americans stuck at home, President Donald Trump has spent weeks casting doubt about the trustworthiness of mail-in ballots. Watch Video: How the US Postal Service found itself in debt The claim: Postal Service is using collection box locks to suppress voters
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