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. “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.
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