It’s been a mixed (mail) bag for the United States Postal Service this week, as USPS delivered some positive news Monday, Dec. 2, concerning its efforts during election season. However, the next day, Congress notified the agency of an oversight hearing to get answers on its performance and efficiency.
According to its newly-released Post-Election Analysis Report, the Postal Service processed more than 99 million ballots during the 2024 general election period starting Sept. 1. According to USPS, 99.88% of ballots were delivered to election officials within seven days. The USPS says they delivered 97.73% of ballots within three days.
On average, the agency said it delivered ballots from voters to election officials within one day. All in all, mail carriers delivered 3.37 billion pieces of political and election mail this year.
USPS said “extraordinary measures” were implemented to swiftly move ballot mail entered close to or on election day. These measures included extra deliveries and collections, special pick-ups and specialized sorting plans at processing facilities.
The Postal Service’s Post-Election Analysis Report comes as the agency undergoes a 10-year transformation plan called “Delivering for America.” USPS is looking to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, and dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories as it aims to eliminate tens of billions of dollars in predicted losses over the next decade.
If we do nothing more, we remain on the path to either a government bailout or the end of this great organization as we know it.
United States Postal Service
The progress on these initiatives will be the focus of a House Oversight Committee hearing on Dec. 10. Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, that the committee will receive an update from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
In a statement, Comer said, in part, “While the Postal Service’s finances and performance have seen some improvement under Postmaster General DeJoy’s 10-year plan, there is still work to be done. Many families and small businesses around the country are still experiencing poor USPS service, resulting in unacceptable delays, and this Committee has a responsibility to examine its operations to ensure hardworking American taxpayers are receiving a service they can rely on.”
Last month, the Postal Service reported a net loss of $9.5 billion for its fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. Since 2007, the agency has lost more than $100 billion.
The Postal Service warns it must continue to find ways to cut costs and increase revenue. As stated in its updated “Deliver to America” plan, “If we do nothing more, we remain on the path to either a government bailout or the end of this great organization as we know it.”
In July, the Postal Service raised the price of first-class mail stamps from 68 cents to 73 cents. They also planned a price hike twice a year through 2027. However, in September, the agency vowed there would be no increase in stamp prices this January.
That would be the first time in two years we won’t see an increase in stamp prices to begin a new year. There’s something to write home about.
