Effective January 21, 2024, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), sections 507.1.5.1 and 507.1.5.3, to reflect the Postal Service removing “Change Service Requested” as an ancillary service endorsement option for Ballot Mail.
The Postal Service notice of proposed rulemaking focused on removing “Change Service Requested,” Option 1. “Change Service Requested,” Option 2, was not originally included because “Change Service Requested,” Option 2, was never associated with Ballot Mail Service Type Identifiers (STIDs), the three-digit numeric code used within the Intelligent Mail® barcode on a mailpiece that identifies the address correction or other electronic services desired. Only “Change Service Requested,” Option 1, was available for use.
However, both “Change Service Requested,” Options 1 and 2, permit all mailpieces that are undeliverable as addressed to be disposed of, and it is against Postal Service policy to dispose of any ballot mailpiece.
Ballot Mail that is undeliverable as addressed must be forwarded to the voter if a “Change-of-Address” notice is on file or returned to the election office that sent the Ballot Mail.
The Postal Service believes these standards, which become effective January 21, 2024, will provide a more efficient mailing experience.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
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500 Additional Mailing Services
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507 Mailer Services
1.0 Treatment of Mail
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1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Class of Mail
1.5.1 First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage — Retail, USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial, and Priority Mail
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[Add new 1.5.1e(4) to read as follows:]
4. First-Class Mail pieces containing Ballot Mail under 703.8.0.
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Exhibit 1.5.1 Treatment of Undeliverable First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage — Retail, USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial and Priority Mail
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“Change Service Requested”
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]
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[Add new third restriction to read as follows:]
(3) This endorsement is not valid for Ballot Mail under 703.8.0.
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1.5.3 USPS Marketing Mail and Parcel Select Lightweight
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[Revise the text of item c. to read as follows:]
c. The endorsement “Change Service Requested” is not permitted for the following:
1. Mailpieces containing hazardous materials under 601.8.0. Mailpieces containing hazardous materials must bear the endorsement “Address Service Requested,” “Forwarding Service Requested,” or “Return Service Requested.”
2. Mailpieces containing Ballot Mail under 703.8.0.
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Exhibit 1.5.3 Treatment of Undeliverable USPS Marketing Mail and Parcel Select Lightweight
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“Change Service Requested”1, 4
OPTION 1
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Restrictions:
The following restrictions apply:
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[Add new third restriction to read as follows:]
(3) This endorsement is not valid for Ballot Mail under 703.8.0.
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OPTION 2
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Restrictions:
The following restrictions apply:
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[Add new third restriction to read as follows:]
(3) This endorsement is not valid for Ballot Mail under 703.8.0.
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The Postal Service will incorporate these revisions into the January 21, 2024, edition of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Product Solutions, 11-30-23
