WEST VIRGINIA (WOAY) – Reports of the Postal Service closing nearly 1,000 offices across the country have caused concern for many who rely on the service.
The post office has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses switch to e-mail. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has voiced his concern after reports of several West Virginia post offices looking to shut down.
“I started hearing troubling reports from numerous post office locations closing and reducing in hours,” said Machin.
In a one page document, Senator Manchin addresses his concerns and also details law requirements that a post office must follow before closing.
“By law, they have to give 30 days. So we have everything stopped, and we’re going to stay on top of this basically, this is ridiculous,” said Machin.
Many are concerned about how their mail-in ballots will be affected this November election if numerous post offices choose to close.
“That creates another problem. Starting in August, you’re going to be able to request them, so we’re going to have to have functioning postal service, so this could operate,” said Manchin.
Manchin says he’ll continue to follow this issue carefully and will update the public as soon as he is provided with more information.