Austin Wolf, who has worked for the Postal Service as an employee and contractor, said he began questioning access at the facility about two years ago. He said he saw unfamiliar people working in restricted areas and handling mail, and suspected that some workers were sharing badges. Those claims have not been independently confirmed.

Wolf said he had to repeat the screening process after leaving a Postal Service job and later returning as a contractor. He described it as including fingerprinting and a background check. A job posting for the Golden facility says the criminal background investigation covers 10 years of an applicant’s U.S. residence, employment or education history.

Wolf said he reported his concerns to the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. After questions were raised with USPS on Oct. 4, a spokesperson said the agency would gather information. Wolf said a staff meeting was held at the Golden Post Office the next day and that contractors without clearance were asked to leave while their screening was expedited.

The Postal Service said it is reviewing the concerns and that only properly authorized people may access postal facilities or handle mail. Contractors who have not completed required screening are not authorized to perform mail-handling duties, the agency said. USPS also said Jefferson County ballots will be processed under established election-mail procedures and security protocols.

Wolf emphasized that he has not seen ballots mishandled. USPS did not provide figures on how many contractors work at the facility or whether any were working without required clearances, saying detailed information would require a federal records request.

Voters can track their ballots through Colorado’s BallotTrax website.