18 U.S.C. POSTAL LAW

Mailbox Law & Canvass Compliance Checker

EVALUATOR ACTIVE • REVISION 2026.08
1. Interactive Property Zone & Canvass Action Simulator Curbside vs Porch Jurisdiction
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY / STREET EASEMENT CURBSIDE BOX USPS EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION RING CAM PORCH DROP ZONE
Federal Postal Envelope (18 USC § 1705/1725) Doorbell Sightline / Plain-View Admissible Lawful Canvassing Drop (Porch / Hanger)
2. Statutory Liability & Evidence Verdict EVALUATING
High Statutory & Public Exposure Risk
Unauthorized access to USPS exclusive receptacle detected
CIVIL RISK: $0 - $5,000
18 U.S.C. § 1708 (Mail Theft / Unauthorized Inquiry) EVALUATED

Prohibits taking, opening, or examining mailable matter without authorization. Looking inside a resident's box triggers USPIS criminal inquiry if intent to inspect letters exists.

18 U.S.C. § 1725 & USPS DMM 508.3.1.3 EVALUATED

Letterbox rule affirmed in USPS v. Greenburgh Civic Ass'ns (453 U.S. 114): Mailboxes are exclusively for postage-paid USPS mail. Unstamped drops carry up to $5,000 per violation for organizations ($300 individual).

18 U.S.C. § 1705 (Destruction / Malicious Interference) COMPLIANT

Criminalizes breaking, injuring, or defacing mailboxes. Taping or forcing foreign objects can invite property damage claims.

Doorbell Video Admissibility & Evidentiary Standard
Plain-view Ring recording admissible; establishes unauthorized opening without warrant or carrier status.
Curbside mailboxes face the public right-of-way. Under the Fourth Amendment plain-view doctrine, canvassers have no reasonable expectation of privacy when opening boxes visible from neighbor porches or private surveillance cameras.
CAMPAIGN REMEDIATION & FIELD DIRECTIVE
Never touch, open, or deposit unstamped political materials into USPS receptacles; utilize door hangers, direct mail postage, or personal handoff only.
Enjoy this tool? Build your own with Super