Creating Election Mail
USPS Design Guidelines
A single election mailing may send of thousands of mailpieces. The success of the mailing often depends upon the mailpiece itself. A properly designed mailpiece qualifies for the best postage discounts, helps prevent unexpected costs, and ensures accurate and timely delivery.
Planning Election Mail
Some advance planning is necessary for your election mail to arrive on time. First, determine which mail service to use. The best choice depends on what you’re sending, how much, and how soon it needs to arrive.
Our simple decision tree shows a 5-step process for determining how to mail election material. You can:
- Determine what class of mail is best suited for your materials and payment preferences.
- Decide if you want to include a reply envelope.
- Select any extra services you may need.
Process for Determining Standard Mail® Eligibility RTF
Preparing Your Mailing
- Make sure your mailing lists are up-to-date.
- Address envelopes properly.
- Obtain and complete forms and tags needed for your mailing.
Election Mail Checklist PDF | RTF
2016 Election and Political Mail Update ›
Addressing Your Election Mail
Before you send your political mailing, make sure your address lists are complete and correct. The right addresses aren’t just important for timely delivery; accurate addresses can help you manage mailing costs.
On our portal for large mailers, you can learn about a number of products and services, including software, to keep address lists up-to-date.
Learn About Enterprise-level Address Management ›
Design Your Election Mail
Once you have a plan in place, the next step is to design your mailpiece.
Drop Off Your Election Mail
Your election mailing will need to be dropped off at a Business Mail Entry Unit when it’s ready.