Political Mail is a powerful way to share accurate campaign messages with voters. In preparation for each election cycle, postal facilities work diligently to complete the following actions:
n Ensure the correct use of Tag 57, Political Campaign Mailing, for all Political Mail.
n Inform Postal Service employees that they must promptly and efficiently process and deliver Political Mail.
n Document as Political Mail all qualifying mail that is entered into the mailstream.
Millions of Americans will receive campaign mail asking for their vote on issues or for candidates this year. It’s important to note:
n The U.S. Mail is 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 issues to be essential to the success of the Political Mail 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 a proven marketing medium.
n Mail prompts action, often through other channels. For more information, go to usps.com/business/political-mail.htm.
The Postal Service offers 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 2026.
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.
n Under 39 U.S.C. 3632(e)(2) and Domestic Mail Manual 703.1.3, a political committee is an organization that, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of such political party at the national or state level.
Tag 57
In addition to adding red Tag 57 at mail entry, mailers must check the “Political Campaign Mailing” box when presenting Political Mail to the Postal Service for processing. This simple step can help with capacity planning and enhance visibility of Political Mail within the postal network.
Except for Electronic Verification System (eVS®) mailings, all domestic commercial mailings must use an approved electronic method to transmit a postage statement to the PostalOne!® system.
The Postal Service provides free means of electronic postage statement submission through the IMsb Tool and Postal Wizard. There are also approved third-party software options available on PostalPro at postalpro.usps.com.
The Postal Service provides customized STIDs specifically for Political Mail. These have proven instrumental in identifying and tracking Political Mail on hand and in the mailstream, and specifing the type of address correction service desired (if any). 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 mailpiece scan data is available via Informed Visibility (IV) reports. To learn more about Political Mail STIDs and view the STID Table, see postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers.
