The US Postal Service protests were the perfect example of a new type of political activism. But the organizing tactic is about to face its biggest test yet.

Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images

• Hundreds of protests across the country in support of the US Postal Service were quickly organized online after changes and attacks by the Trump administration.
• The protests are a perfect example of a growing type of political movement building called distributed organizing, which focuses on digital connections rather than preexisting connections.
• The shift to bring political movements online and use this type of distributed organizing was accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic
• But these movements born online will soon face their biggest test yet: Election Day.
• Dana R. Fisher is a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland.
• This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The US Postal Service hasn't received media attention like this past week since mail carriers were "going Postal" in the 1990s.

Last week began with reports of the cost-cutting measures implemented by Postmaster General (and Republican political donor) Louis DeJoy, which included cutting mail carrier overtime, removing mailboxes, and reducing mail sorting machines, which has resulted in delays in the delivery of medicines and other essential products. The week ended with DeJoy testifying before the Senate that "delivering election mail is his 'No. 1 priority.'"

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See Also:

• Trump's attacks on the US Postal Service are a threat to American democracy
• Joe Biden is precisely the leader we need for this moment in American history
• If you're worried about the election turning into a disorganized disaster, there's something you can do: sign up to be a poll worker

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