Special Procedures: APO/FPO/DPO Absentee Ballots

September 1, 2016 – November 30, 2016

The United States Postal Service® and the Military Postal Service have again joined forces to expedite delivery of absentee ballots to overseas military personnel. We recognize the important role mail plays in the election process and are committed to ensuring that everyone who votes by mail experiences a smooth, well-organized process — one that provides them with the highest level of trust and confidence. The following Special Procedures for APO⁄FPO⁄DPO Absentee Ballots are provided for Election Officials and Postal employees.

Here is a summary of the program:

• Election officials should mail absentee ballots at least 45 days prior to the November 8, 2016, General Election. All military absentee ballots mailed by election officials from September 1 through November 8, 2016, will be subject to special handling procedures.
• Local election offices are requested to segregate military absentee ballots to the Chicago International⁄Military Service Center (ISC) gateway and the Miami International Service Center.
• Trays or containers of absentee ballot mail may be identified using Tag 191, Domestic and International Ballots, and presented to the Post Office™.
• Contact your local Post Office for more information on standard procedures for election offices.
• APO⁄FPO⁄DPO absentee ballots will be sent from local Post Office locations to the nearest Processing & Distribution Center for further processing.
• At the International Service Centers, absentee ballots receive special handling.

ELECTION OFFICIALS: Separate military absentee ballots by preparing bundles for the two ISC military gateways: Chicago and Miami.

If fewer than five (5) pieces will be in a separate bundle, a mixed bundle may be prepared. This bundle must have the facing slip marked, “APO⁄FPO⁄DPO MIXED – Absentee Ballots.”

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