Daily printout: Sept. 25

The Postal Service is ready to deliver the nation’s ballots and other Election Mail, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told the news media last week.

In a press briefing on Sept. 19, DeJoy said USPS will build upon its past successes, including the 2020 general election, when the organization delivered 99.89 percent of ballots from voters to election officials within seven days.

“We will be even better prepared for 2024 and will perform admirably again, as we always have,” he said. “Our track record is strong. We have been transporting and delivering ballots since 1864. Our network is designed to handle a surge in mail volume, just like we do every election and holiday season.”

Beginning Monday, Oct. 21, USPS will implement extraordinary measures to ensure mail-in ballots are delivered close to or on Election Day or by a state’s ballot return deadline.

These measures include additional pickups, extra deliveries, special lines for customers dropping ballots at Post Offices and employing special features on processing equipment to expedite and enhance ballot delivery.

“Moving the nation’s Election Mail over the next 47 days is an all-hands-on-deck effort for the Postal Service,” DeJoy said.

This was the second of several election briefings for the press that USPS plans to hold this year. The first session was held Aug. 29.

Recordings of both briefings are available on the Postal Service’s Election Mail website, which also has guidance for voters, FAQs and an Election Mail kit for election officials.

The Postal Service will release its latest Kwanzaa stamp on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

The annual Pan-African holiday, observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, celebrates family, community and culture. Rooted in ancient and modern first-harvest festivals, Kwanzaa incorporates traditions from across the African continent that aim to foster unity and pride.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp — the Postal Service’s 10th Kwanzaa release since 1997 — with original artwork by Ekua Holmes.

Holmes was inspired by a live performance of dancers she witnessed at a Kwanzaa event in Roxbury, MA. The image shows three young performers — a male drummer and two female dancers.

The composition highlights the colors of the Pan-African flag — black, red and green — with West African designs on the floor, background and the drummer’s pants.

The stamp will be dedicated in Pittsburgh and will be available nationwide in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.

In its latest episode, the “Mailin’ It!” podcast features Bob Dixon, the Postal Service’s delivery and retail modernization senior director.

Dixon talks about his 25-year postal career, the development of USPS Informed Delivery and his new role with the organization.

The 31-minute episode is available on Link and other postal websites, as well as most podcast platforms.