Political Mail includes Political Campaign Mail and Political Message Mail. The Postal Service recommends marking Political Mail with red Tag 57, Political Campaign Mailing.
Objectives
In preparation for the election cycle this year, the following actions must take place at every postal facility:
n Ensure the correct use of Tag 57, Political Campaign Mailing, for all Political Mail.
n Ensure Postal Service employees know that they must always promptly and efficiently process and deliver Political Mail. Mail entry personnel must ensure that all qualifying mail is documented as Political Mail.
Key Messages
Millions of Americans will use the mail to campaign and vote for their chosen issue or candidates this year. It’s also important to note:
n The U.S. Mail remains a secure, efficient, and effective means for citizens and campaigns to participate in the electoral process. The Postal Service considers the dependable and timely delivery of Political Mail promoting candidates and social causes to be essential to the success of the political mailing season.
n The best campaign is a multi-channel campaign. For candidates, Political Mail can help them reach constituents directly.
n Mail can reach 100 percent of targeted voters.
n Mail has been tested and is proven effective.
n Mail prompts action, often through other channels.
For more information, visit usps.com/business/political-mail.htm.
Political Mail Tools
The Postal Service developed mail tools and technologies that help cut through the political noise and ensure that your campaign message is reaching voters at the right time and in the right place. You can use these resources to prepare for continued growth in 2022.
n The Political Mail website (see deliverthewin.com) provides information on key contacts and other valuable resources, and serves as an online platform to promote direct mail through the following materials:
n Educational articles.
n White papers.
n Case studies.
n Videos.
n Connections to digital content, such as augmented reality, emphasize the link between digital and hard copy content as a means to extend and increase the effectiveness of political messaging. Augmented reality mailpieces promote campaign messages in a way that engages voters.
n Postal Service webinars highlight key political industry topics.
n The Postal Service has sponsorship agreements with the American Association of Political Consultants to help promote the use of mail early and often in the political arena. Activities include:
n Attending events and co-sponsored webinars.
n Advertising and white paper development and placement.
n Direct meetings with political operatives.
Tag 57, Political Campaign Mailing, is a red container tag used to identify Political Mail upon entry to the mailstream. Tag 57 can be used to identify:
n Political Campaign Mailing by a registered political candidate, campaign committee, and committee of a political party.
n Political Message Mailing by a PAC, super-PAC, or other organization engaging in issue advocacy or voter mobilization.
According to the Postal Operations Manual, a registered political candidate or party is defined as an individual or organization recognized by the appropriate government election control authority (national, state, or local).
Tag 57
Based on industry feedback, the Postal Service has updated the STID table for Political Mail in 2022. The Postal Service provides customized STIDs specifically for Political Mail to improve visibility. These STIDs are proven instrumental in identifying and tracking Political Mail on hand and in the mailstream. In addition, STIDs increase the visibility of Political Mail within the automation environment and can enhance passive identification and tracking of Political Mail.
When Political Mail STIDs are used as part of an IMb, the associated Political Mailpiece scan data is available via Informed Visibility (IV) reports. To learn more about Political Mail STIDs and view the updated STID Table, see postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers.
