Law enforcement to be mindful of US Postal Service ahead of election

PHOENIX – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has sent a bulletin to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies warning to be mindful of threats to postal workers and the mail over controversy surrounding the election and mail-in ballots.

The letter says “intense media focus and public awareness” around mail-in ballots could make USPS employees and vehicles a target for assaults, theft, break-ins and other crimes. It has requested law enforcement pay extra attention to the safety and security of local postal workers.

To date, the Phoenix Police Department has reported no related crimes.

“As we move forward in this election, we are definitely working with our partners to make sure the community is safe and that includes the Postal Inspection Office,” Phoenix Police Sgt. Maggie Cox told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Following repeated remarks from President Donald Trump indicating the U.S. Postal Service is incapable of facilitating mail-in voting, some voters have followed his idea describing mail-in ballots as “fraudulent.”

The Phoenix Police Department asks the community remain vigilant about threats and attacks on any postal service worker or property.

With less than two weeks until Election Day, Arizona voters should have their ballots in the mail no later than Tuesday. Your ballot must make it to a county recorder’s office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 for it to be counted.

The Maricopa County Elections Department encourages voters to have their early ballots returned before Halloween if they want to have their vote reported on Election Night.

Some voter organizations suggest if you do mail your ballot to do it no later than Thursday.

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs has ensured voters the mail-in ballots are safe and will remain that way. You can learn more about voting by mail in Arizona and in Maricopa County here.

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