Election and Political Mail
Election Mail
States and localities are increasingly using U.S. Mail® services in the election process. Election Mail is any item mailed to or from authorized election officials that enables citizens to participate in the voting process, such as balloting materials, voter registration cards, absentee applications, and polling place notifications.
Political Mail
Political Mail includes Political Campaign Mail and Political Message Mail.
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Political Campaign Mail is any material mailed at First-Class Mail® or USPS Marketing Mail® prices for political campaign purposes by a registered political candidate, a campaign committee (federal, state, or local), or a committee of a political party (e.g., Democratic National Committee or Republican Congressional Campaign Committee) to promote political candidates, referendums, or political campaigns.
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Political Message Mail is any material mailed at First-Class Mail® or USPS Marketing Mail® prices by a political action committee (PAC), super-PAC, or other organization engaging in issue advocacy or voter mobilization.
Political Mail may be sent for any public election – partisan or nonpartisan – for which there is a ballot.
Reporting & Dropping Off Political Mail
Create Mailing Notice
1. Complete our online reporting form at least 2 days before you plan to drop off your political mailing so the receiving Post Office™ facility is notified in advance.
2. Drop off your political mailing at a Business Mail Entry Unit.
Report a Problem
To report any issues with your mailing after it is processed, use our online reporting form.
Quick Links
- USPS Election Mail Site
- KIT 600 – the Official Election Mail Program Kit
- Publication 631: Official Election Mail—Graphic Guidelines and Logos
- Publication 632, State and Local Election Mail—User’s Guide
- USPS Political Mail Site
- DeliverTheWin.com
- USPS Election/Political Mail Coordinator Contact Map
- Election Mail Permit Based Solutions
- 2020 Account Set-Up for Election Mail
Description
Getting Started with Election Mail
State and local election officials should:
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Review important policies and documentation on Official Election Mail, such as:
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Publication 631 - Official Election Mail—Graphic Guidelines and Logos
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Publication 632 - State and Local Election Mail—User’s Guide (including the step-by-step checklist contained therein)
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Contact their local USPS Election and Political Mail Coordinators to discuss needs, and
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Have sample ballots and other mailings reviewed by a USPS Mailpiece Design Analyst to ensure compliance with Postal policy and compatibility with our automated processing equipment
For more information, please visit http://www.usps.com/electionmail or contact the USPS Election Mail Program Manager at ElectionMailProgramManager@usps.gov
Getting Started with Political Mail
Mailers of Political Mail (see above) should:
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Review https://www.usps.com/business/political-mail.htm and https://www.deliverthewin.com/
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Contact their local USPS Election and Political Mail Coordinators to discuss needs and learn about next steps.
Featured Resources
03/31/2023
KIT 600–the 2020 Official Election Mail Program Kit
Provides the tools necessary to use the US Mail as a secure, efficient, and effective way to facilitate the election process.
Publication 631: Official Election Mail—Graphic Guidelines and Logos
USPS Publication 631
Publication 632, State and Local Election Mail—User’s Guide
Link to USPS Publication 632