Mailing Recommendations

When making decisions about mailing ballots (and other time-sensitive Election Mail), election officials should first consider their state and local rules, requirements and recommendations. Secondly, you should choose whether you want to outsource printing and utilize mail service providers or not. It is also important to consider print and production times. Additionally, make sure to consider mailing logistics such as mail induction point locations and be sure to avoid commingling outbound ballot mailings with other mailpieces.

Along with any guidance from the state or locality, the Postal Service recommends that election officials consider providing any applicable Postal Service mailing recommendations in their voter communications. Sharing the Postal Service’s mailing recommendations will help ensure that individuals who wish to use the mail to vote know how to do so successfully. The Postal Service’s mailing recommendations for

voters include:

• In jurisdictions that require eligible voters to request a ballot to receive one through the mail: We recommend that domestic, nonmilitary voters request their ballot as early as their jurisdiction allows. Note: not all voters need to request a ballot to receive one; check your local and state voting requirements.
• For domestic, non-military voters who choose to use the mail to return their completed ballot: The Postal Service recommends that they mail their completed ballot before election day, and at least one week before the deadline by which their completed ballot must be received by their local election official.
• Some states may recommend allowing even more time for mailing completed ballots.
• All voters should keep in mind the time required for both legs of mail delivery—to the voter and back to election officials—when deciding how to participate in an election.