Help the USPS Deliver Democracy

The Postal Service is proud of the important role the U.S. Mail plays in the election process ,and we are committed to providing voters with First-Class service.  With more than 25 million return ballots expected to be mailed this fall, the U.S. Postal Service is ready to handle the additional volume and is encouraging all voters to mail early this election season.

From now until the November elections, we can expect to see absentee ballots in the mail. Employees must be aware that absentee ballots materials are handled differently than other unpaid or short-paid mail pieces.  Here are some important points:

ü  Absentee ballots addressed to an election office, with or without sufficient postage, must be delivered.

 

ü  Absentee ballots must not be detained or held for postage payment.

 

ü  Do not delay delivery of balloting materials.

 

ü  Although we attempt to collect all postage due, absentee ballots must be delivered even if the receiving election office refuses to pay.

 

ü  Military and overseas absentee ballots bearing indicia “US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406” are not short-paid and no additional postage is needed.

It’s everyone’s duty to be on the lookout for these mailpieces. If you see ballots marked or sorted for return, bring it to the attention of management. Any mailpiece with the Official Election Mail logo should not have a hand stamp for “Return to Sender” OR a Postage Due amount OR a yellow sticker.  If you see election mail with any of these markings, bring it to a supervisor or manager. Please do your part to ensure all absentee balloting materials in the mail are handled promptly. With your help, the Postal Service will be able to retain this valuable mail volume.