Tuesday, July 9, 2024
The Inspection Service is working to protect the vote
There are protocols in place to safeguard Election Mail and Ballot Mail
The Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement agency assigned to protect the mail — including Election Mail and Ballot Mail.
On its website, the agency outlines its efforts to protect the integrity of election-related mail as it moves through the postal network.
These efforts include:
• Designating inspectors in each USPS district to coordinate Election Mail security efforts;
• Conducting on-site security reviews in USPS facilities;
• Using technology to monitor the mail; and
• Working with other federal, state and local law enforcement and government agencies to protect the mail.
The site also offers tips, including recommending customers pick up Election Mail as soon as it’s delivered to their mailbox, and drop off election-related mail inside a Post Office or a blue USPS collection box before the last pickup of the day.
To report law enforcement matters regarding election-related mail, customers and employees should call the Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 (select option 4) or submit a report online.
July 16, 2024
Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar
USPS employees may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
The session will be held Tuesday, July 16, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.
Military and diplomatic mail now requires customs forms
The Postal Service will begin requiring customs declaration forms for mail sent to overseas military and diplomatic Post Offices on Sunday, July 14.
This includes Amy Post Offices, Fleet Post Offices and Diplomatic Post Offices.
Mail sent between these locations that weighs 16 ounces or more or that contains goods must have a properly completed, computer-generated customs declaration form or it will be returned to the sender.
More information about the customs forms is available on the Postal Explorer website.