The Postal Service has improved ballot mail visibility by developing new Service Type Identifiers (STIDs) specifically for ballots. These STIDs were developed to identify ballots on-hand and improve ballot tracking in the mailstream. The benefits of using the new STIDs include:
n Increased visibility of outbound and returning ballot mail within the automation environment,
n Passive identification and tracking of ballot mail, and
n The potential to increase public confidence in voting by mail.
The new process leverages Intelligent Mail® barcode scan data that is available via Informed Visibility® reports. Now, unique 9-digit ZIP Code™ numbers registered to local election offices can be used for return ballots, which enables individual mail holdouts on mail processing equipment and expedites the sorting and delivery of marked ballots. To learn more about the new ballot STIDs, see postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers.
Tag 191, Domestic and International Mail-In Ballots, is a green container tag used by election officials to identify trays and sacks of ballot mail destined for either domestic or international addresses. Now, Tag 191 can be ordered online and mailed directly to local election offices. To place an order, visit about.usps.com/forms/LiveCycle/psform1910_012018_lc.pdf.
Additionally, the Postal Service updated the interactive Election and Political Mail map, which provides election officials with contact information for Election and Political Mail coordinators. The interactive map now includes business mail entry unit addresses and phone numbers, as well as a new ZIP Code search feature to streamline the resource identification process. To view the Election and Political Mail map, see http://about.usps.com/gov-services/election-mail/.
Key Messages
n U.S. Mail® services are an important part of the U.S. election process. The Postal Service will ensure the dependable and timely delivery of Election Mail and Political Mail.
n Customers can trust the Postal Service to deliver Vote-By-Mail ballots in a timely manner.
n The Postal Service offers a state-by-state outreach program to ensure election boards, political candidates, and mailers are aware of the deadlines for Election Mail and Political Mail.
n The Postal Service takes pride in the popularity of U.S. Mail as an efficient and effective means for citizens to participate in the voting process.
n The Postal Service expects to handle millions of ballots this election cycle — proof that mail is a dependable and protected way to cast a vote. Voter communication ensures that ballots have sufficient time to be processed, delivered, and counted.
n The Postal Service suggests that election officials include a voter notification in the ballot material packet to ensure the timely delivery of ballots. Return by mail dates are based on state and local laws, but the Postal Service recommends the following:
n Domestic non-military voters are advised to mail ballots at least one week before the due date to account for any unforeseen events or weather issues.
n Military personnel serving overseas, such as Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) voters, must follow the return by mail date for their location (see usps.com/electionmail).
Key Voter Message — Return Ballots
Customers who opt to vote through U.S. Mail service must understand their local jurisdiction’s requirements for timely submission of absentee ballots, including postmarking requirements. Voters must contact their local election officials for questions about local deadlines. The Postal Service recommends that voters mail their ballots at least 1 week before the due date to account for any unforeseen events or weather issues.
Key Election Official Message — Ballots
Whether using First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail service, customers are encouraged to work closely with local Postal Service Election Mail coordinators to determine delivery times for the mailings. For coordinator contact information, visit usps.com/electionmail.
