US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406 = No Postage for Military, Overseas Absentee Ballots

The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act requires states to transmit absentee ballots to military and overseas voters covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act no later than 45 days before a federal election.

This year, September 18, marks 45 days before the November 2 election and falls on a Saturday. Post Offices that are open on Saturday should expect to see mailings bearing this indicia: US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406

Absentee ballots bearing this indicia do not require postage. They are not shortpaid (DMM 703.8.0). In addition, these ballots must not be detained or held for postage payment (POM 171.3).

All other absentee ballots require postage prior to mailing.