The Postal Service offers three options for how it treats mail that cannot be delivered to the address on the envelope. Mail can be forwarded to the new address, returned to you, or discarded; however, the third option is not available for Ballot Mail.
Option 1: Use the Forwarding Service Requested ancillary endorsement to have Ballot Mail or other Election Mail forwarded. The mailer must request forwarding service through a printed ancillary service endorsement and/or select the proper forwarding Service Type IDentifier (STID). If the mailpiece cannot be delivered and it does not have a printed ancillary service endorsement nor a STID requesting the correct forwarding address correction option, the mailpiece will be returned to the sender.
Option 2: Utilize Return Service Requested to have outbound Ballot Mail or other Election Mail automatically returned to the election office. The mailer must request return service through a printed ancillary service endorsement and/or select the proper return STID for the mailpiece.
Option 3: For most types of Election Mail, except Ballot Mail, First-Class Mail may be discarded when Change Service Requested is provided. Secure Destruction is available for First-Class Mail that contains personally identifiable information. Learn more about Secure Destruction on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/secure-destruction.
If you use First-Class Mail, the forwarding and/or return services are free. First-Class Mail may be discarded only when Change Service Requested is provided via Address Change Service (ACS) (see Section III Preparing Your Address List – Move Update Options). Change Service Requested is not available for use on Ballot Mail. Note that fees may apply for this service. Undeliverable as addressed (UAA) USPS Marketing Mail is typically discarded. If you want the mail forwarded or returned, the mailpiece must have the appropriate ancillary service endorsement printed on the address side of the mailpiece, and you will be charged for each mailpiece that is returned. Additionally, for USPS Marketing Mail containing ballots made to voters, you must use the appropriate STID so that the Postal Service knows whether to forward UAA Ballot Mail or to return it to the appropriate election office.
For more information about ancillary service endorsements and address correction services available, contact the ACS Help Desk via email at ACS@usps.gov or by phone at 877-640-0724, Option 1 and see DMM 507.1.5 at https://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/507.htm.
