How Did This Slip By The Cancel Machine...?

I have seen a lot of uncancelled mail even though the stamps on it are current ones including both commemoratives and the Far and Wide definitives.
This happens especially, though certainly not exclusively, when a letter is posted to an address within the same area as the sender. I think what happens there is that the letter never goes to an actual sort facility to be cancelled, simply gets directed to the appropriate mailperson route.

Just my "P" non-denominated opinion.

Peter

I remember days, not too long ago when the cancellation date was considered proof for documents that needed to reach gov't offices (like annual income tax filings, CCard payments, etc..) so what's if they can keep post offices opened till midnight on tax filing deadlines, why can't they simply postmark all mail, all the time?

Gilles, the trend is to remove as many workers as possible through automation. This trend is unstoppable.

Our neighborhood trash truck now has a robotic/hydraulic arm which grabs the receptacle, empties it into the truck, and places it back on the curb. There are no longer 2 guys riding on the back of the truck.

Another thought: If postal services hire workers to check for "skips" and cancel them, do they save enough revenue to cover their salaries, health care, and other benefits? And, do postal services directors have any incentive to think about such things?