The termination of a USPS worker has raised eyebrows after allegations of disposing political mailers for Rep. Tom Kean Jr. emerged, fueling concerns over election integrity.
At a Glance
- USPS worker fired amid accusations of dumping political mailers for Republican Rep. Tom Kean, Jr.
- Roughly 300 mailers, found in a Pennsylvania dumpster, were meant for New Jersey’s 7th District voters.
- Incident caught on surveillance at Shop-Rite in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.
- USPS investigating the breach alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General.
Investigation Underway
A U.S. Postal Service employee faces scrutiny after allegedly discarding about 300 political mailers backing Republican Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. Surveillance footage at a Shop-Rite in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, confirmed these accusations. The mailers targeted voters in Succasunna, New Jersey, a predominantly Republican area. This incident contributes to ongoing concerns about electoral integrity.
As highlighted in previous cases, such actions can undermine public confidence, especially given heightened tensions and the narrowly divided race Kean faces against Democrat Sue Altman. USPS is coordinating with its Inspection Service and Office of Inspector General to address and remedy the procedural breach.
🚨 Breaking: Footage shows a USPS worker allegedly dumping hundreds of pro-Kean mail pieces into a dumpster at a supermarket.
With so much at stake this year, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. is up against a lot. Every vote counts, and we need your support now more than ever to make… pic.twitter.com/Vdw1ZPWfaZ
— Tom Kean (@KeanForCongress) November 2, 2024
Surveillance Footage and License Identification
The incident was promptly reported, with the New Jersey Globe obtaining the surveillance footage corroborating the allegations. A security official disclosed that the postal worker, identified in a USPS uniform, was traced through a Pennsylvania license plate linked to her vehicle. “We have a license plate,” reported the security worker, detailing the discrepancy between the location of the dumping and the intended New Jersey delivery.
“I believe in the security of our elections and voting by mail, but this incident is deeply troubling. I hope the USPS acts swiftly to resolve whatever crimes have been committed, and I urge them to be open and transparent about the specifics of this incident. Protecting the integrity of our democracy is imperative.” – Kean
Kean expressed grave concerns, emphasizing the necessity of securing mail-in voting procedures. Despite the disturbances, Kean is currently leading his Democratic challenger by a thin margin. This development accentuates the electoral stakes amidst ongoing efforts by independent expenditure committees linked to national GOP campaigns.
Postal worker tosses 300 pro-NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. election mailers in dumpster https://t.co/aM2jgmVNt3 pic.twitter.com/Ctfe2WgSRS
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2024
Ongoing Concerns Over Electoral Security
Such incidents reinforce the urgency for robust election integrity measures. In 2020, a similar case involved a postal employee who pleaded guilty to discarding mail, including mail-in ballots, highlighting vulnerabilities in the process. USPS reiterates its commitment to safeguarding election-related mail, aiming for transparency in the investigational proceedings.
With investigations ongoing, this case further underscores the diligence required in protecting electoral communications, ensuring voters’ voices are accurately heard and respected. While the USPS resolves this issue, it remains crucial for all electoral stakeholders to maintain vigilance for the health of democracy.
Sources:
- N.J. congressman mailers dumped by USPS worker at Pennsylvania Shop-Rite
- New Jersey USPS employee under investigation after allegedly dumping about 300 direct mail pieces in support of Republican Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr.
