Skip to page content

Is the United States Postal Service Essential?

RAND sociologist Michael Pollard describes why the United States Postal Service is essential. This includes the USPS's universal service obligation, and being part of the National Response Framework, which is the plan the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has for responding to disasters and emergencies. Pollard also discusses the pandemic's effect on the USPS's operations.

Learn More

The Postal Service and the Pandemic
Jun 22, 2020
Michael S. Pollard @MichaelSPollard, Lois M. Davis @LoisMDavis

How do Americans feel about the Postal Service during the COVID-19 crisis? How do they think USPS compares with private courier companies? Are they concerned about handling mail and packages? New survey data sheds light on these questions and more.
The Postal Service Is More 'Essential' Than You Thought
Aug 25, 2020
Michael S. Pollard @MichaelSPollard, Lois M. Davis @LoisMDavis

The U.S. Postal Service is an essential service that delivers mail to every address in the country, connects rural communities, and contributes to public safety. But it is still mistakenly thought of as a private business that should be able to turn a profit.
Voting in a Pandemic: What Americans Think About Safety, Election Integrity, and Preparedness
Aug 27, 2020
Jennifer Kavanagh @jekavanagh, C. Ben Gibson, et al.

As states prepare to conduct elections during the COVID-19 crisis, what are voters' perceptions about safety, election integrity, and the readiness of local officials? And how might these perceptions affect voter turnout in November?
An Assessment of State Voting Processes: Preparing for Elections During a Pandemic
Aug 5, 2020
Jennifer Kavanagh @jekavanagh, Quentin E. Hodgson @QHodgson, et al.

To conduct elections safely this fall, states need registration and voting options that can happen remotely or can enable social distancing. Based on their policies, which states are most and least prepared to do this?