2026-2027

OFFICIAL ELECTION MAIL GUIDE

Kit 600

February 2026

The Postal Service is pleased to present the 2026-2027 Official Election Mail Guide (Kit 600). The kit is a

comprehensive resource designed specifically for Election Officials that choose to utilize the U.S. Mail™ as a

secure, efficient, and effective part of their election systems.

The Postal Service has a long and proud history of supporting our country’s electoral system and we take

seriously our clear and defined role to process, transport, and deliver the nation’s Election Mail, including ballots.

We continually reassess our capabilities to improve the operational effectiveness of our service.

In preparation for the upcoming election season, the Postal Service made several enhancements to increase the

visibility of ballots traveling through the mail stream. These efforts included issuing a newly developed bilingual

green Tag 191,

Domestic and International Ballots

, implementing an official ballot checkbox, expanding the

Service Type IDentifier (STID) Tool for both Ballot Mail and Election Mail, and clarifying the use of the Official

Election Mail logo. You will learn more about these enhancements by reviewing the materials included in this kit.

For additional support, contact the Postal Service’s Mailpiece Design Analysts and local Managers, Customer

Relations using the forms found at

https://about.usps.com/what/government-services/election-mail/#contact

Please take advantage of these dedicated experts.

While not specific to Election Mail, the Postal Service has some further updates that may be relevant to our

customers who send or receive Election Mail. The Postal Service refined our service standards to align with

operational initiatives needed to improve operational efficiency and precision. We also formally defined the

postmark in our regulations, described how and where in the course of postal operations postmarks are applied,

clarified the scope of the information that postmarks convey, and advised customers to request a manual (local)

postmark at a retail location if they want to ensure that their mailpiece receives a postmark containing a date that

aligns with the date of mailing. This kit provides additional details on postmarking, but we emphasize that we

have not changed our procedures regarding how or to the extent in which we postmark mailpieces.

Our simple message to voters is to plan and mail early. Also, if a customer wants to ensure that their return Ballot

Mail envelope or any other mailpiece receives a postmark, and that the date on the postmark matches the day it

is mailed, the customer should bring their mailpiece to a retail location and request a manual postmark in person;

it will be applied free of charge upon acceptance of the mailpiece.

The Postal Service provides many common-sense mailing recommendations to help voters and election officials

use the mail successfully when policymakers choose to use the mail as part of their election systems. We

recommend that both voters and election officials follow any guidance provided by their state, consider the time

required for each leg of mail delivery, and keep in mind any applicable Postal Service mailing recommendations.

Sharing the Postal Service’s mailing recommendations with your voters can better help them decide which

method of participation in the electoral process is right for them.

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USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 3

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INDEX

Included in your 2026 - 2027 (Kit 600) are the following fact sheets and publications:

Ballot Mail Mailing Standards —

Includes many of the Postal

Service’s regulations about balloting materials. Page 23

Election Mail Checkboxes

—

Use the Election Mail

Checkboxes in the

PostalOne!

processing system to

ensure USPS

visibility of all Election Mail entered into the

mailstream. Page 25

Election Mail Key Recommendations —

Outline of the Postal

Service’s key recommendations that should be considered

to help ensure you have the tools you need to successfully

use the mail. Page 4

Election Mail Resources for Election Officials —

Overview of

the many resources available to election officials to effectively

use the mail. Page 6

*New*

Election Mail Security —

An overview for the election

community on how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service

secures Election Mail. Page 28

Informed Delivery —

Discover the benefits associated with

creating an Informed Delivery campaign in your electoral

jurisdiction. Page 21

Informed Visibility

Mail Tracking and Reporting —

Learn

about near-real-time mail tracking data service for letters

and flat pieces, bundles, handling units (trays, tubs, and

sacks), and containers. Page 13

Next Steps —

Ready to get started? Follow a few simple

steps for expert advice on how to create, handle, and send

Election Mail. Page 29

*New*

Postmarks and Postal Possession —

Defines

postmarks, identifies types of Postal Service markings that

qualify as postmarks, describes the circumstances under

which those markings are applied, and advises customers

of how to obtain evidence of the date on which the Postal

Service accepted possession of their mailings. Page 27

Publication 631,

Official Election Mail—Graphic Guidelines

and Logos

—

Learn proper usage of the Official Election

Mail logo for inclusion on mailpieces.

Publication 632,

State and Local Election Mail—User’s

Guide

—

Contains information that election officials must

consider before mailing Election Mail.

Qualified Business Reply Mail with Intelligent Mail barcode

Accounting —

Description of the First-Class Mail

service

and a step-by-step guide to completing an application to

use the mailing solution. Page 17

Recommendations on Mailing Completed Ballots —

explanation of the Postal Service’s policy concerning the

postmarking of Ballot Mail envelopes returned by voters.

Page 26

Service Type IDentifiers for Ballot Mail —

Understand how

the three-digit code is improving the identification and

tracking of Ballot Mail. Page 10

Special Procedures: APO/FPO/DPO and Overseas Citizens

Absentee Ballots —

Tips to ensure Ballot Mail reaches

military personnel and citizens who are overseas. Page 19

Steps to Creating Your Intelligent Mail Barcode —

Learn how

to create your own serialized IMb to track Election Mail while

in the mailstream and more. Page 8

Tag 191,

Domestic and International Ballots

—

Information

and guidelines to help your Ballot Mail get higher visibility

upon entry. Page 15

Page 3

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 4

ELECTION MAIL KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

This fact sheet includes many of the Postal Service’s

recommendations for Election Mail. The following

recommendations will help increase the visibility of Election

Mail as it moves through the postal network and generally

improves processing and enhances customers’ experience.

MAILING RECOMMENDATIONS

When making decisions about mailing ballots (and other

time-sensitive Election Mail), election officials should first

consider their

state and local rules, requirements and

recommendations. Secondly, you should choose whether

or not you want to outsource printing and/or utilize mail

service providers. It is also important to consider print

and production times. Additionally, make sure to consider

mailing logistics such as mail induction point locations and

be sure to avoid commingling outbound Ballot Mail with

other mailpieces.

Along with any guidance from the state or locality

conducting elections, the Postal Service recommends

that election officials consider providing any applicable

Postal Service mailing recommendations in their voter

communications. Sharing the Postal Service’s mailing

recommendations will help ensure that individuals who wish

to use the mail to vote know how to do so successfully.

The Postal Service’s mailing recommendations for

voters include:

In jurisdictions that require eligible voters to

request a ballot to receive one through the mail:

We recommend that domestic, non-military voters

request their ballot as early as their jurisdiction allows.

Note: Not all voters need to request a ballot to receive

one; check your local and state voting requirements.

For domestic, non-military voters who choose

to use the mail to return their completed ballot:

The Postal Service recommends that they mail their

completed ballot before election day, and at least one

week before the deadline by which their completed

ballot must be received by their election office. Some

states may recommend allowing even more time for

mailing completed ballots.

All voters

should keep in mind the time required

for each leg of mail delivery—to the voter and back

to the election office—when deciding how to participate

in an election.

MAIL CLASS

The Postal Service continues to recommend that election

officials use First-Class Mail® for outbound Ballot Mail

to voters. Using First-Class Mail allows for faster service

while providing high visibility as Ballot Mail moves through

the mailstream (when used with USPS® visibility tools,

like serialized Intelligent Mail® barcodes). Nevertheless,

the Postal Service has long engaged in several practices

to prioritize Ballot Mail that is entered as Marketing Mail,

regardless of the paid class, when capacity permits and

mailpieces are identifiable as Ballot Mail by the Official

Election Mail logo or other Postal Service visibility indicia.

The Postal Service will continue to process and deliver

expeditiously, as we have done in past elections, with

the result that Ballot Mail commonly receives delivery

timeframes equivalent to First-Class Mail even when

mailed as Marketing Mail.

MAILPIECE DESIGN REVIEW

The Postal Service strongly recommends that all

Election Mail envelopes, including previously approved

designs, be reviewed by a Mailpiece Design Analyst

(MDA) each year prior to mail printing. MDAs can provide

guidance on envelopes that meet the Postal Service’s

processing requirements, answer questions about

mailpiece design, give advice on evaluating mailpieces for

automation discounts, provide technical assistance on the

Postal Service’s envelope standards, and help construct

mailing plans.

For assistance from a MDA, submit a design review request

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/election-mail-review

or by calling 877-672-0007 (select option 3 for mailpiece

design). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7

a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time (closed federal holidays).

MAIL VISIBILITY

Election Mail visibility refers to the range of tools available

to provide increased insight and trackability for your

mailpiece within the postal network. In some cases, these

tools can allow election officials to track their mail through

the entire network.

Election officials should use all available tools to improve

the visibility of their Election Mail within the postal network.

(continued on back)

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 5

(Election Mail Key Recommendations continued)

The Postal Service strongly recommends the use of

green Tag 191, dedicated Service Type IDentifiers (STIDs),

and serialized Intelligent Mail barcodes for Ballot Mail. In

addition, the Official Election Mail logo and the Election

Mail Checkboxes should be used for all Election Mail,

including Ballot Mail.

Tag 191

–

The Postal Service recommends the use of green

Tag 191,

Domestic and International Ballots

, to

identify trays and sacks that contain Ballot Mail.

–

A modified version of the tag was created in 2025

that includes instructions on how to use the tag in

both English and Spanish.

–

Although use of the tag is optional, it provides greater

visibility to Ballot Mail at mail entry.

–

Election officials can order the tag by completing

PS Form 1910, Tag 191,

Domestic and International

Ballots

, Order Form (

http://about.usps.com/forms/

ps1910.pdf

Service Type IDentifier

–

The Postal Service strongly recommends the use

of customized Service Type IDentifiers (STIDs),

specifically for Ballot Mail to improve visibility within

the automation environment.

–

These STIDs have proven instrumental in identifying

and tracking Ballot Mail.

–

Be sure to use the latest STIDs for each election

cycle mailing.

–

For assistance selecting an appropriate Election Mail

or Ballot Mail STID for outbound mailings, consider

trying the STID Finder tool available on Postal Pro.

Uniquely Serialized Intelligent Mail Barcode

–

A uniquely serialized Intelligent Mail barcode, or IMb,

is a Postal Service barcode that provides the ability

to track the delivery and return of individual Ballot

Mail envelopes—increasing your visibility of this

important mail within the postal network.

–

Because of the central role a uniquely serialized IMb

plays in identification, tracking, sorting, and payment,

we strongly recommend the use of a uniquely

serialized IMb on Ballot Mail.

Official Election Mail Logo

–

When the Official Election Mail logo appears on a

qualifying mailpiece, voters recognize the mail as

important and distinct from partisan political mailings.

–

Additionally, the logo serves to identify official

Election Mail for Postal Service workers and

distinguishes it from the millions of other mailpieces

that are processed daily.

Election Mail Checkboxes

–

The Postal Service uses the Election Mail

Checkboxes in

PostalOne!

processing and our

Postage Statement forms to get increased visibility of

Ballot Mail and Election Mail in the mailstream.

–

On July 14, 2024, the Election Mail Checkbox was

separated into two distinct checkboxes: Election Mail –

Official Ballots and Election Mail – Non-Ballot Materials.

For more information on any of these visibility tools, please

review their fact sheets included in this kit.

QUICK LINKS

Business Customer Gateway:

https://gateway.usps.com

Election Mail Permit-Based Solutions:

https://postalpro.

usps.com/mailing/election-political-mail/permit-solutions

Election Mail Toolkit:

https://about.usps.com/election-

mail/election-mail-resources.htm

Full-Service Certified Mail Service Providers:

https://

postalpro.usps.com/certifiedmsps

Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical Resource Guide:

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/221

Postal Service Contact Forms:

https://about.usps.com/

what/government-services/election-mail/#contact

Publication 631,

Official Election Mail – Graphic

Guidelines and Logos

https://about.usps.com/

publications/pub631.pdf

Publication 632,

State and Local Election Mail - User

Guide

https://about.usps.com/publications/pub632.pdf

Service Standards Information: https://postalpro.usps.

com/operations/service-standards

Service Type IDentifiers (STIDs):

https://postalpro.usps.

com/mailing/service-type-identifiers

Tag 191 Order Form:

http://about.usps.com/forms/

ps1910.pdf

USPS Transit Time Map:

https://www.usps.com/

service-standards/

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 6

ELECTION MAIL RESOURCES FOR ELECTION OFFICIALS

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

The U.S. Postal Service

is proud to provide a secure, efficient, and

effective way for citizens to participate in elections when policymakers

decide to use mail as part of their election administration. Every

federal election cycle, we make efforts across the nation to inform

local and state election officials about mailing procedures, our

operational standards, and our recommended best practices for

using the mail. We provide training, tools, and resources, to help you

and your staff get started. We will even help you plan your mailings,

improve the quality and accuracy of your address files, and design

smart, cost-effective mailpieces. The information below introduces

you to the services and assistance we provide.

For more guidance on

Election Mail visit our election

officials’ mailing resources

site at https://about.usps.

com/what/government-

services/election-

mail/#election-officials

LEARNING

The Postal Service™ has developed resources to help

election officials learn how to prepare, induct, and track

mail sent to voters and returned to election officials. Postal

Service local Managers, Customer Relations (MCRs) are

also available to help you throughout the mailing process

and answer any questions. Connect with your local MCR

by submitting an inquiry at

https://electionmail.usps.

com/s/contact-local-mcr

PLANNING

Planning your mailing in advance will help ensure that it

goes out in a timely, efficient manner, which is vital during

election season. Our team of MCRs can help you:

Determine the appropriate mail class.

Choose the best postage payment options for outgoing

and return mailpieces.

Identify any extra services that may be needed.

Provide information on lead time for mailings to armed

forces personnel and overseas voters.

ADDRESSING

Address quality is critical to the timely and efficient delivery

of your mail. Your address lists should be up-to-date,

accurate, and complete. To assist you with this, the Postal

Service offers several products and services, including

software, to help you improve the accuracy of your

mailings. For information about address quality, go to:

https://postalpro.usps.com/address-quality

DESIGNING

Mailpiece Design Analysts (MDAs) can help you greatly

improve the effectiveness of your mailings and reduce

postage costs. Consulting with Postal Service MDAs will

help ensure you have a well-designed mailpiece that is

compatible with Postal Service guidelines and regulations.

Customers can receive assistance from a MDA by

submitting a design review request at

https://electionmail.

usps.com/s/election-mail-review

or by calling 877-672-

0007 (select option 3 for mailpiece design). Hours of

operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Central Time (closed federal holidays).

IDENTIFYING

Display the Official Election Mail logo on your mailpiece to

indicate your mail is from a federal, state, or local election

official. When the Official Election Mail logo appears on a

mailpiece, voters recognize the mail as important and dis

tinct from partisan political mailings. Additionally, the logo

serves to identify Election Mail for Postal Service workers

and distinguishes it from the millions of other mailpieces

that are processed daily.

For more details on how to comply with the requirements

for its use, review Publication 631,

Official Election Mail —

Graphic Guidelines and Logos

https://about.usps.com/

publications/pub631.pdf

(continued on back)

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 7

(Election Mail Resources for Election Officials continued)

REPLYING

The Postal Service offers election officials the ability to

create a seamless mailing experience for voters by paying

for the postage on return Ballot Mail envelopes that are

sent back to the officials by the voters. Discuss your reply

mail needs with a Mailing Requirements Clerk. Contact the

Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC) by emailing

MSSC@usps.gov

or calling 877-672-0007 (select option

2 for mailing requirements). Hours of operation are Mon

day through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time (closed

federal holidays).

REPORTING

If an issue with your Election Mail arises, we want to know

about it. The Postal Service offers a direct line for Election

Officials to communicate with qualified postal profes

sionals who are best equipped to research and resolve

any concern. To report a problem, complete the form at

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/report-a-problem

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 8

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 8

STEPS TO CREATING YOUR INTELLIGENT

MAIL BARCODE

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

The serialized

Intelligent Mail

barcode (IMb

)

is a

65-bar Postal Service™ barcode used to sort and track

individual letters and flats. The barcode simplifies data by

consolidating information for multiple Postal Service

identifiers into one comprehensive location. Using a

serialized IMb also expands mailers’ ability to track

individual mailpieces and gain greater mailstream visibility.

Uniquely serialized IMbs facilitate the tracking of individual

Ballot Mail to and from individual voters. For example, a

single household may have multiple individual voters residing

at the same address. If the IMb on the Ballot Mail envelopes

to and from those individual voters have not been uniquely

serialized, they cannot be tracked as they move through

the mailstream. Election officials will need to maintain the

relationship of the serial number to the specific voter.

A uniquely serialized IMb can be applied to all automation

compatible letters and flats and is critical for using Informed

Visibility

Mail Tracking and Reporting (IV

-MTR) service.

The IV-MTR application provides information about when and

where the Postal Service sorts a mailpiece on mail-processing

equipment. A uniquely serialized IMb can also be used for

address correction services: Address Change Service (ACS

™

OneCode ACS

, and Intelligent Mail Full-Service ACS

™

PostalPro Resources

The

IV-MTR User Guide

can be found under the IV-MTR

User Guides and Training section at

https://postalpro.usps.

com/InformedVisibility

For guidance on address quality, please visit

https://

postalpro.usps.com/address-quality

Additional insights into the Intelligent Mail program can

be found at

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-

mail-barcode

For more information about STIDs, go to

https://postalpro.

usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL THE

ENCODER AND FONT

An IMb consists of a 20-digit tracking code field [Barcode

Identifier, Service Type IDentifier (STID), Mailer ID (MID),

and Serial Number] and a Routing Code (ZIP Code

™

) field

of up to 11 digits. An encoder is required to convert the

numeric digits into a 65-character string representing the

bars of the IMb and a special font is required to convert

the 65 alpha-character string into the IMb bars. Users can

download the fonts and computer source code at

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing/encoder-software-and-fonts

Once the encoder and font are installed, verify the print

quality by producing samples, as instructed in the encoder

package.

The Intelligent Mail Barcode 4-State Specification

USPS-B-3200

and the

Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical

Resource Guide

on PostalPro provide extensive technical

information about IMbs and can be found at

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-mail-barcode

STEP 2: APPLY FOR A MAILER ID

A MID is required for the IMb tracking code. New MIDs are

assigned through centralized USPS

processes, generally

through the MID system on the Business Customer

Gateway at

https://gateway.usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin

STEP 3: POPULATE THE BARCODE FIELDS

The five IMb fields are the Barcode Identifier, the STID,

the MID, the Serial Number, and the Routing Code (ZIP

Code). Each field has its own unique set of standards,

explained below:

The

Barcode Identifier

field should be “00” (zero-zero),

with one exception: automation-price eligible flat mail

bearing a printed optional endorsement line (OEL). When

mailers prepare flat-size pieces using IMb tracking codes

to meet automation-price eligibility requirements, the

IMb tracking codes on any pieces bearing printed OELs

must contain the Barcode Identifier corresponding to

the printed OEL used. See the Barcode ID fact sheet on

PostalPro at

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/3528

determine the correct Barcode IDentifier.

The attributes that determine which

STID

should appear in

an IMb tracking code are the mail class, the ACS service

selected, and whether IV-MTR service is desired. See the

Service Type IDentifier for Ballot Mail fact sheet on page

10 of this kit or visit PostalPro at

https://postalpro.usps.

com/mailing/service-type-identifiers

for more information

about STIDS.

(continued on back)

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 9

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 9

(Steps to Creating Your Intelligent Mail Barcode continued)

The

MID

is explained in Step 2, above. IMbs must

contain a valid MID.

The

Serial Number

, in conjunction with the MID and mail

class, can uniquely identify the mailpiece. Although Serial

Number uniqueness is not required to qualify for basic

automation prices, barcoding mailpieces with unique

serial numbers enables visibility of individual pieces. If an

individual mailpiece does not have a unique identifier, it

cannot be tracked through IMb.

The Postal Service strongly recommends utilizing Full-

Service Intelligent Mail instead of Basic Intelligent Mail. Full-

Service Intelligent Mail requires that mailpieces be uniquely

identified, and the tracking code cannot be reused for a

period of 45 days. Depending on the length of the MID,

the Serial Number is either a nine- or six-digit number.

The

Routing Code

can contain a 5-digit ZIP Code,

9-digit ZIP+4

, or 11-digit delivery-point code. To obtain

automation discounts, a Delivery-Point ZIP Code from

CASS™-certified (Coding Accuracy Support System)

software is required. Mailers may opt not to populate the

ZIP Code and use the IMb tracking code only for tracking

the mailpiece. If populated, it must never be padded with

leading or trailing zeros that are not part of a valid 5-, 9-,

or 11-digit ZIP Code. The IMb concatenates the five fields

in this way:

Six-Digit Mailer ID

Barcode

[2N]

Service

Type ID

[3N]

Mailer ID

[6N]

Serial Number

[9N]

Routing Code (ZIP Code)

[none, 5, 9, or 11N]

Nine-Digit Mailer ID

Barcode

[2N]

Service

Type ID

[3N]

Mailer ID

[9N]

Serial Number

[6N]

Routing Code (ZIP Code)

[none, 5, 9, or 11N]

STEP 4: PUT EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Once mailers have selected their service(s), received a

MID, and devised a unique serial number strategy, they

are ready to put the five fields together to form the 20- to

31-digit string, encode it to 65 characters, and convert the

65-character string using the IMb font to form the 65‑bar

IMb as in the example below. On letters, the IMb can be

placed in the address block or in the barcode clear zone.

On flats, it can be placed on the address side at least 1/8

inch from the edge of the piece.

Learn more about the IMb at

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing#cat-subsection-2

EXAMPLE:

STID of 270 (First-Class Mail®, Intelligent Mail Full-Service option, with IMb IV service, no address

correction), MID 123456, uniquely identified by Serial Number 200800001, going to ZIP Code 98765-4321(01), is

encoded like this:

Digit String:

0027012345620080000198765432101

IMb encoder

Encoded string

(T=Tracker, F=Full Bar, A=Ascender, D=Descender):

TTFAFDADTFFFADTAFAFTTDATDFAAFTDAFDFDFDATFDFTDDDDFADFFDADDTDDTTDAT

IMb font

IMb:

To learn about certified mail service providers (MSPs), please visit

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/3816

and

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing/election-political-mail

The latest lists of certified MSPs can be found on these pages under Featured Resources.

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 10

SERVICE TYPE IDENTIFIERS FOR BALLOT MAIL

Fact Sheet for Ballot Mail

Service Type IDentifier (STID)

is a unique three-

digit code that indicates the service type for an individual

mailpiece. The service code denotes the mail class,

address correction option, and whether Informed Visibility

Mail Tracking and Reporting (IV

-MTR) is being used.

As part of the Intelligent Mail

barcode (IMb

), STIDs offer

mailers near-real-time tracking visibility on both outbound

and return mailpieces. STIDs also provide the Postal

Service

™

with enhanced tracking capabilities that allow

us to quickly identify and process on-hand Ballot Mail

throughout the mail network. This helps the Postal Service

ensure expeditious processing and delivery of Ballot Mail.

Use of the appropriate STIDs allows for IV-MTR to identify

mailpieces, with all expected service combinations, during

mail processing. The STIDs shared in this fact sheet are

for use only on Ballot Mail. Ballot Mail consists of any

mailpiece sent to or from an authorized election official

containing a live ballot that may be used to cast a vote in

an election.

For other Election Mail (e.g., sample ballots, voter

registration applications, absentee applications, and

polling place locations), use the appropriate STID for the

mail class, ACS™ and IV®-MTR services desired that are

identified for First-Class Mail® or USPS Marketing Mail®

on the STID Table on PostalPro.

STID FINDER TOOL

The Election Mail and Ballot Mail STID Finder was

introduced in early 2024 as a tool to assist election

officials and their mail service providers with selecting an

appropriate Election Mail and Ballot Mail STID for their

outbound mailings. It is critical when utilizing the tool

to understand the difference between Ballot Mail and

Election Mail in order to select the optimal STID.

The tool asks users to answer a series of yes/no and

multiple-choice questions related to the main attributes

that determine which STID may match the mailer’s needs.

It is important to bear in mind that the tool’s results are

suggestions only. This tool ONLY supports Election Mail

and Ballot Mail. All other types of mailings should refer

to the full list of STIDs available on Postal Pro at

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers

As always, election officials should consult with their mail

service provider or the ACS Help Desk for additional

guidance about Ballot Mail STIDs.

RESOURCES:

Obtain suggestions on which STID to use on your

mailing by using the Election Mail and Ballot Mail

STID Finder at

https://postalpro.usps.com/stid-tool

Consult the Service Type IDentifier Table for Ballot Mail

on page 12 of this kit to determine the correct STID or

visit

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-

identifiers

A detailed description of each STID can be found in

Appendix A at

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/461

For additional support, contact the ACS Help Desk

via email at

ACS@usps.gov

or by phone at

877-640-0724, (select option 2 for IMb).

HOW TO DETERMINE THE RIGHT STID

1. Which direction is the Ballot Mail envelope

being mailed?

There are two directions the Ballot Mail envelope may

be mailed:

Outbound:

From the election office to the voter.

Inbound (or return):

From the voter to the

election office.

2. Which mail class is being used?

Ballot Mail STIDs differ depending on whether the

ballots are mailed as

First-Class Mail

USPS

Marketing Mail

. We strongly recommend the use of

First-Class Mail for all Ballot Mail.

3. Determine whether you want to receive Address

Change Service (ACS™) information on the voter.

ACS is a post-mailing service that provides the

Postal Service with instructions on how to handle

mail that is Undeliverable as Addressed (UAA) and

provides you with electronic Change of Address (COA)

information or the reason for non-delivery.

If you do not want to receive ACS data,

use

No Address Corrections- No Printed Endorsement.

(continued on back)

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 11

(Service Type IDentifiers for Ballot Mail continued)

If you do want to receive ACS data,

decide how

you want to receive the data:

•

Manual Notice:

Physical address correction

notice PS Form 3547,

Notice to Mailer of

Correction in Address

, will be provided to you

with the voter’s correct address information.

•

Electronic Notice:

OneCode ACS

allows you to receive

electronic or automated address corrections

through the use of the IMb when mailing

a ballot using First-Class Mail or USPS

Marketing Mail. More information can be

found on

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing-

and-shipping-services/onecode-acs

ii.

Full-Service ACS

provides an additional

benefit for mail using the Intelligent Mail

barcode that qualifies for Full-Service

discount postage prices. Full-Service

discounts and the resulting Full-Service

ACS benefits are available at

https://postalpro.

usps.com/node/2788

iii.

Traditional ACS

allows you to receive

address corrections in an electronic format

when mailing a ballot in a letter or flat sized

envelope. In addition to the IMb, your

mailpieces will be identified with a postal-

supplied seven-character alpha identifier

known as the ACS participant code and an

optional keyline. A keyline is a unique code

that allows you to either incorporate existing

voter identifiers or create a new system that

assists in locating the voter in your database.

Additional information is available at

https://

postalpro.usps.com/address-quality-solutions/

traditional-acs

4. Do you want UAA Ballot Mail to be forwarded (if

possible), or returned to you?

Forward

•

Address Service Requested Option 1:

Mail is

forwarded, if possible, or returned if forwarding

is not possible. A manual or electronic notice

with the voter’s new address information is

provided for forwarded pieces and the address

correction fee is charged. First-Class Mail is

forwarded or returned at no charge. USPS

Marketing Mail is charged an additional

weighted fee for mail that must be returned.

•

Address Service Requested Option 2:

Mail is forwarded, if possible, or returned if

forwarding is not possible. An electronic notice

is issued for either result. For First-Class Mail,

the piece will be returned to sender at no charge

with the reason for non-delivery attached; however,

a separate notice with the reason for non-delivery

will be provided for a fee. USPS Marketing Mail is

charged an additional weighted fee for mail that

must be returned.

Return

•

Return Service Requested Option 2:

The mailpiece is returned to sender with the new

address or reason for non-delivery. First-Class Mail

is returned at no charge. USPS Marketing Mail is

returned at either the single-piece First-Class Mail

or Priority Mail price, depending on the weight of

the piece.

5. Do you meet the requirements to be a

Full-Service Mailer?

The qualifications to be a Full-Service Mailer can be found

on PostalPro at

https://postalpro.usps.com/certifications/

standard-full-service-certification-mailers

If yes,

Full-Service with IV-MTR STIDs will match

your mailing goals.

If no,

Basic / Non-Automation with IV-MTR STIDs

will match your mailing goals.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Understand the postage and/or fees, if any, that will be

associated with the use of each STID.

If using USPS Marketing Mail, please be aware that, to

have the mailpiece forwarded or returned to sender, it

must contain the associated printed text ancillary service

endorsement. This incurs an additional cost.

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 12

SERVICE TYPE IDENTIFIER TABLE

Ballot Mail (Effective January 21, 2024)

Class of

Mail

Address Correction Option

Basic or

Nonautomation

with IV

-MTR*

Full-Service

with

-MTR*

Elections Officials to Voters (Outbound)

First-Class

Mail

No Address Corrections – No Printed Endorsement

715

720

Manual Address Corrections **

716

OneCode ACS

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 1

717

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 2

718

Return Ballot-

Return Service Requested Opt 2

713

Full Service ACS

™

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 1

722

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 2

723

Return Ballot-

Return Service Requested Opt 2

725

USPS

Marketing

Mail

No Address Corrections – No Printed Endorsement

735

741

Manual Address Corrections **

736

OneCode ACS

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 1 ** $

737

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 2 ** $

738

Return Ballot-

Return Service Requested Opt 2 ** $

714

Full Service ACS

™

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 1 ** $

743

Forward Ballot-

Address Service Requested Opt 2 ** $

744

Return Ballot-

Return Service Requested Opt 2 ** $

746

Traditional ACS

™

Return Ballot-

Return Service Requested Opt 2 ** $

726

Voter to Election Officials (Return or Inbound)

First-Class

Mail

***

First-Class Mail Reply

777

Business Reply Mail

778

Permit Reply Mail

779

UOCAVA

780

Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) voters use only. Absent overseas uniformed services voters, as defined in 52 U.S.C.§ 20304(d),

may return absentee ballots from the following locations by using Priority Mail Express Label 11-DOD without prepaying postage: Overseas APO/FPO military

locations; DPO locations; or Department of State (DOS) locations.

$ Postage and fees are charged for undeliverable mail that is returned to sender.

* Informed Visibility® Mail Tracking & Reporting

https://postalpro.usps.com/InformedVisibility

** Requires the printed text ancillary service endorsement. The option selected must not be printed with the endorsement.

*** Return Ballot Mail (i.e., ballots that voters return to election officials) is sent as First-Class Mail at First-Class Mail prices, unless a voter opts to pay for a

premium service.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Address Correction Option identified by the STID requesting ACS in the IMb on Ballot Mail will take precedence over a printed

endorsement if there is a conflict. When a printed endorsement is required to receive ACS, as is for USPS Marketing Mail, “ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED”

must be printed.

KEY RESOURCES:

Detailed descriptions of the various Ballot Mail STIDs can be found in Appendix A at

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/461

For other types of Election Mail refer to pages 2 and 4 of the STID Table on PostalPro at

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/service-type-identifiers

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 13

INFORMED VISIBILITY MAIL TRACKING

AND REPORTING

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

The Informed Visibility

Mail Tracking and Reporting

(IV

‑MTR) application provides election officials with

near-real-time tracking and enhanced visibility of

uniquely barcoded mailpieces as they move through

the mailstream. IV-MTR is flexible, so you receive data

when and how you want. It is also powerful, enabling

you to better plan Election Mail mailings and resources,

measure success of each mailing, staff efficiently, and

instill confidence in voters that use vote-by-mail.

IV-MTR expands visibility beyond physical scans of

mailpieces by leveraging the intelligence of Full-Service

Intelligent Mail

and nesting associations. The application

creates assumed handling events for nested mail

whenever the mail aggregate containing the nested mail

is scanned. For example, the scan of a pallet creates

assumed events for the trays and pieces that are

associated with that pallet.

Barcoding mailpieces with unique serial numbers enables

visibility of individual pieces. To make the most of IV-

MTR, abide by proper mail preparation and barcoding

requirements. Full-service requirements and Intelligent

Mail barcode (IMb) guidance are available on PostalPro

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/2788

and

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing#cat-subsection-2

HOW DOES IV-MTR HELP ELECTION

OFFICIALS?

For outgoing mail, IV-MTR data allows you to:

Obtain near-real-time notification when your mail

receives its last processing scan.

Identify mail delivery trends and anticipated

delivery dates.

Know when mailpieces reach their destination so you

can better manage election activities.

For incoming reply mail, IV-MTR data helps you to:

Obtain near-real-time notification when your return mail

enters the mailstream by utilizing a serialized IMb.

Know when voters’ return items are on the way and

where they are in the Postal Service

™

network.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH IV-MTR?

To get started with IV-MTR, you need to register for

a Business Customer Gateway account, enable the

IV‑MTR service, and set up your Election Mail data feeds.

Step-by-step instructions are available on the PostalPro

page at

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/3656

LEARN MORE:

https://postalpro.usps.com/InformedVisibility

GET

ASSISTANCE:

Solutions Center

InformedVisibility@usps.gov

1-800-238-3150, Option #2

Monday through Friday (closed federal holidays)

To learn about certified mail service providers (MSPs), please visit

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/3816

and

https://

postalpro.usps.com/mailing/election-political-mail

. The latest lists of certified MSPs can be found on these pages under

Featured Resources.

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

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USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 15

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 15

TAG 191, DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL BALLOTS

Fact Sheet for Ballot Mail

The Postal Service™ recommends the use of green

Tag 191,

Domestic and International Ballots

, to

identify trays and sacks that contain Ballot Mail. Although

use of the tag is optional, it provides greater visibility to

containers of Ballot Mail as they enter Postal Service

processing and distribution operations.

Tag 191 may only be used to identify Ballot Mail addressed

for domestic or international delivery. The tag cannot be

used to identify containers of other types of Election Mail

such as sample ballots, voter registration cards, absentee

voting applications and polling place notifications.

NEW THIS YEAR

An updated version of Tag 191 will be entered into

circulation this election year. The April 2025 dated tag

features the same text on both sides and has English and

Spanish translations, whereas the existing July 2007 dated

tag had different faces and was written only in English.

Both versions of the tag remain valid.

Please exhaust the existing tags on hand. Business Mail

Entry Units (BMEUs) will continue to accept and affix both

versions of the tag since they are reusable. Affix Tag 191

to the mail container as follows:

Strapped Letter Trays:

Using a plastic twist tie, attach

Tag 191 to the strap at the end of the tray that bears

the tray label.

Non-strapped Letter Trays:

For trays permitted to be

tendered without strapping, attach Tag 191 to the tray

with a rubber band that is double-looped through the

tray handhold at the end that bears the tray label.

Sacks and Flat Trays with Flat-Size Mail:

Depending

on the type of sack, attach Tag 191 to either the strap

or label holder on the sack.

Tags are available at your local BMEU, which can be found

https://postalpro.usps.com/node/1623

or ordered

online at

https://about.usps.com/forms/ps1910.pdf

Tag 191 example

Tag 191 is used to identify your

outgoing Ballot Mail only. Tags

are available at your local BMEU

or can be ordered online at

https://about.usps.com/gov-

services/election-mail/

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The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 17

QUALIFIED BUSINESS REPLY MAIL WITH INTELLIGENT

MAIL BARCODE ACCOUNTING

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

Qualified Business Reply Mail

™

(QBRM

™

) is a First-Class

Mail

service that enables you to pay the return postage

(including a per-piece fee) for Election Mail that is mailed to

your election office from voters. You can distribute QBRM

envelopes and have the mailpieces returned to you at any

Post Office™. QBRM utilizes the enhanced processing

capability of Intelligent Mail barcode Accounting (IMbA) to

reduce processing times.

The reply mail envelopes distributed must conform to

a specific format, including use of a unique ZIP+4

assigned by the Postal Service

™

. Proofs for QBRM must

be approved by a Postal Service Mailpiece Design Analyst

(MDA) and bear an Intelligent Mail

barcode (IMb

). QBRM

can be used only on automation-compatible cards and

letter-size mail weighing up to and including 3.5 ounces.

Once you are an approved QBRM mailer, you can

enhance your Election Mail processing capability with

Intelligent Mail barcode Accounting (IMbA

). IMbA is an

automated solution for the counting, rating, invoicing, and

billing processes. Using the IMbA on the mailpiece, the

mail processing equipment counts destinations approved

and assigned to you. Then invoicing is sent daily, directly

PostalOne!

For more information on QBRM, see

Quick Service Guide

505

and

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal

Service,

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM

) 505.1.1 and 1.6

available on Postal Explorer at

https://pe.usps.com

HOW DOES IMbA ENHANCE THE MAILING

PROCESS?

Processes like scanning, sorting, and rating are

automated to get your reply mail to you quicker, which

is great for large volumes of reply mail.

After processing, invoices are automatically created and

uploaded to

PostalOne!

The increase in speed creates a more consistent flow of

mail and makes more timely mail pickups possible.

USPS makes constant updates to the IMbA system to

improve services and enhance reporting.

IMbA is provided to QBRM customers at no extra cost.

Mailers are eligible for annual account maintenance

and quarterly fee waivers, and a reduced per-piece fee.

Reference Notice 123 on Postal Explorer at

https://

pe.usps.gov/text/DMM300/Notice123.htm

for more

information.

Using a unique IMb with ZIP+4 increases mailpiece

visibility and tracking.

Prepaid postage facilitates easy voting for citizens.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH QBRM WITH

IMbA?

Discuss your QBRM needs with a Mailing Requirements

Clerk. Contact the Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center

(MSSC) by emailing

MSSC@usps.gov

or calling 877-

672-0007 (select option 2 for mailing requirements).

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to

7 p.m. Central Time (closed federal holidays).

Complete Part A of PS Form 3615,

Mailing Permit

Application and Customer Profile

(

https://about.usps.

com/forms/ps3615.pdf

), to establish a QBRM permit.

Then fill out section 1 of PS Form 6805,

BRM/QBRM

Application for ZIP+4 Code Assignment/ Validation

and QBRM Approval

(

https://about.usps.com/forms/

ps6805.pdf

), to request a unique ZIP+4 for the QBRM

address for each price category (letters/postcard).

Both forms must be submitted via email to the MSSC –

Mailing Requirements Department at

MSSC@usps.gov

for processing.

Set up a Mailer ID (MID) by visiting

https://gateway.

usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin

and creating a Business

Customer Gateway (BCG) account.

Request a unique IMb from your MDA. This request

should be made only after your QBRM account

is created on the BCG, a unique ZIP+4 has been

assigned, and your MID is provided. Customers can

receive assistance from a MDA by submitting a design

review request at

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/

election-mail-review

or by calling 877-672-0007 (select

option 3 for mailpiece design). For more information

on creating an IMb for Election Mail, see the Steps to

Creating Your IMb Fact Sheet on page 8 of this kit.

(continued on back)

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 18

(QBRM with IMbA continued)

Design a new QBRM return mail envelope with advice

from an MDA. Submit an electronic copy of the QBRM

proof in a PDF file with crop marks/borders at 100%

(no scaling) to an MDA for review and feedback prior

to printing. Physical samples should also be submitted

because they are required for reflectance, barcode

quality, print/contrast ratio, and QBRM approval. For

assistance from a MDA, submit a design review request

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/election-mail-review

call 877-672-0007 (select option 3 for mailpiece design).

Mailpiece designs must comply with the

following directives:

■

Publication 631 —

Official Election Mail — Graphic

Guidelines and Logos

■

Publication 632 —

State and Local Election Mail –

User’s Guide

■

Kit 600 —

2026-2027 Official Election Mail Guide.

■

DMM 201, 202, 204, 505, and 703.8.0.

Return PS Form

6805, BRM/QBRM Application

for ZIP+4 Code Assignment/Validation and QBRM

Approval

(

https://about.usps.com/forms/ps6805.

pdf

), after completing parts 1-5 and with 10 physical

samples or paper mockups to ensure compliance with

Postal Service regulations and processing systems. The

application and 10 samples must be submitted to an

MDA for QBRM testing and approval. Customers can

receive assistance from a MDA by submitting a design

review request at

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/

election-mail-review

or by calling 877-672-0007 (select

option 3 for mailpiece design).

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 19

SPECIAL PROCEDURES: APO/FPO/DPO AND

OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

SEPTEMBER 1– NOVEMBER 30

The United States Postal Service

and the Military Postal Service

Agency have again joined forces to expedite delivery of federal Ballot

Mail to overseas military personnel. We recognize the important role

that mail plays in the election process and are committed to ensuring

that everyone who chooses to vote by mail experiences a smooth, well-

organized process — one that provides them with the highest level of

trust and confidence.

Program Summary:

All military ballots mailed by election officials will be subject to special

handling procedures. Election officials should send Ballot Mail at least

45 days prior to the November 3, 2026, general elections.

Local election officials are requested to segregate military absentee

Ballot Mail into bundles for the Chicago and Miami International

Service Centers (ISCs), which serve as gateways for the military. At

the ISCs, Ballot Mail receives special handling.

Trays or containers of Ballot Mail destined for APO/FPO/DPO (Army

and Air Force Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office)

addresses and overseas citizens may be identified using Tag 191,

Domestic and International Ballots,

and presented to the Post Office

™

APO/FPO/DPO Ballot Mail will be sent from local Post Office

locations to the nearest Processing and Distribution Center for

further processing.

Facing slips are used to presort loose Ballot Mail, based on bundle

size, that are destined to pass through the two ISC military gateways.

The facing slips are pictured on the right side of this fact sheet.

ELECTION OFFICIALS:

Separate military Ballot Mail by preparing

bundles for the two ISC military gateways: Chicago and Miami.

Directions for Marking the Bundles:

ISC Name

ISC State Abbreviation

ISC ZIP Code™ Range

Chicago

090–099

Chicago

962–966

Miami

340

If fewer than five (5) pieces are in a separate bundle, a mixed bundle

may be prepared. This bundle must have the facing slip marked, “APO/

FPO/DPO MIXED – Absentee Ballots.”

Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4

APO/FPO/DPO and MIXED Facing Slips

Figures 1,

2, 3,

and 4 APO/FPO/DPO and MIXED Facing Slip

(continued on back)

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 20

(Special Procedures continued)

UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS

ABSENTEE VOTING ACT (UOCAVA)

As mandated by law, election officials are expected to send

ballots to military personnel, their eligible family members,

and overseas citizens at least 45 days prior to a federal

election. The Postal Service

™

is committed to helping

election officials meet their obligations with proactive

planning and mailpiece preparation.

Get started by doing the following:

Connect with your Postal Service local Manager,

Customer Relations by submitting an inquiry

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/contact-local-mcr

Discuss the timeline and known deadlines.

Review address files for military and overseas voters

and perform any necessary address maintenance.

Consult Publication 632,

State and Local Election

Mail - User’s Guide,

or Postal Explorer for tips on how

to properly address internationally bound mailpieces at

https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc1_008.htm

Determine if the mailpiece meets the postage exemption

criteria with postage paid as authorized by UOCAVA.

Obtain and then affix Tag 191,

Domestic and

International Ballots

, to your outbound sacks and trays

of Ballot Mail. Tags can be ordered online at

https://

about.usps.com/forms/ps1910.pdf

For more information, please review

Mailing Standards of

the United States Postal Service,

Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM

) 703.8.2, Pub 632,

State and Local Election

Mail - User’s Guide

or visit the Federal Voting Assistance

Program at

https://www.fvap.gov/vao/overview

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 21

INFORMED DELIVERY

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

Informed Delivery

is a secure, free, and optional feature

that can help election officials connect with voters by

providing eligible residential, business, and P.O. Box

consumers with a digital preview of their household’s

incoming mail and the ability to manage their packages all

from one location.

Users can view grayscale images of the exterior (address

side) of automation-processed, letter-sized mailpieces via

a morning Daily Digest email, or at any time via the online

dashboard from their phone, computer, or the Informed

Delivery Mobile app. Nearly 75 million users are already

signed up with an average email open rate exceeding 60

percent. The Postal Service’s Informed Delivery feature

continues to deliver on its value proposition to election

officials by providing the opportunity to reach more voters,

target and increase interaction with users, encourage

responses to voter engagement campaigns, reach

customers digitally from their physical address, and gain

more returns on Election Mail campaigns.

Election Official Benefits

✔

Increased Interaction.

Generate multiple

impressions to increase awareness of Election Mail,

through synchronized physical and digital touchpoints.

✔

Faster Responses.

Use interactive content and clear

call-to-actions to help encourage voter response.

✔

Gain Insights.

Informed Delivery Interactive

Campaigns provide election officials with the ability to

gain insights from reporting.

Voter Benefits

✔

Convenience.

Preview incoming Election Mail via

email notifications, an online dashboard, or USPS

Mobile App.

✔

Visibility and Security.

Check what’s arriving and

have peace of mind that Election Mail will be delivered.

✔

Call-to-Action.

Easily respond to the election official’s

call-to-action by virtually interacting with them before

the mailpiece physically arrives.

GET STARTED WITH INFORMED DELIVERY

Choose Your Submission Method.

An Informed

Delivery mailing campaign can be created in either

PostalOne!

, Mailer Campaigns Portal, or via Application

Programming Interface (API). Consider using

PostalOne!

or the API for your complex mailings, especially

mailings that have several different treatments.

2. Define Your Voter List.

Decide if one treatment will

work for all recipients or if you need to have segments

within the mailing for specific ZIP Codes

™

or counties.

The full 11-digit ZIP Code, consisting of a ZIP+4 and

delivery-point code, is required for recipients. If you

need to segment your mailing, segregate the groups

within your mailing list prior to printing or assigning the

Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb

3. Determine Mailer ID (MID) and/or IMb Serial

Number Range.

Identify the MID used for the mailing.

Ensure your MID is valid and included in the IMb on the

physical mailpieces. Lastly, determine your serial number

ranges in the IMb. Your mail service provider (e.g., printer,

ad agency) will generally have this information.

4. Produce Your Creative Content.

Design the “ride-

along” image that will appear in your campaign.

Determine your target URL, as well as the call-to-action

(i.e., “Register to Vote”). The more compelling your call-

to-action is, the more likely a recipient is to respond.

Lastly, decide whether you will use the grayscale

image provided by the Postal Service

™

or use a color

representative image.

5. Select a Timeline.

You need to consider where

the mail is being entered for your Informed Delivery

mailing schedule.

6. Submit Campaign.

Submit your mailing using your

selected submission method from Step 1.

7. Analyze Results.

See how your mailing campaign

worked! Download your Post‑Campaign Reports

(Summary and Detailed level) directly from the Mailer

Campaign Portal or get a copy of your Post‑Campaign

Summary report via email by contacting us at

USPSInformedDeliveryCampaigns@usps.gov

Want more information? Visit

https://www.usps.com/

business/informed-delivery.htm

or contact your Postal

Service sales representative.

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USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 23

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

Page 23

BALLOT MAIL MAILING STANDARDS

Fact Sheet for Ballot Mail

Each election cycle presents new parameters for ballot

creation, causing return mailpieces to be different sizes and

weights. As a result, many voters do not know the correct

amount of postage required to return their ballots by mail.

Balloting materials provided to voters for any

election, whether disseminated in hardcopy or

electronically, must indicate in a prominent location

the proper amount of First-Class Mail® postage

that must be applied on return mailings, except

in certain circumstances for balloting materials

for military and overseas voters or where postage

is prepaid.

This information must be included in the

balloting materials (i.e., on the ballot, ballot instructions,

mailing instructions, or on the envelope) with the marking

“First‑Class Mail postage must be applied.” Alternatively,

the marking “Apply First-Class Mail postage here” may

be printed in the upper-right corner of the address side

of the envelope used by the voter to return the marked

ballot to election officials. The Postal Service

™

will also

accept approved variations of these indicia.

The marking requirements will not apply to balloting

materials that meet one of the following exceptions:

The balloting materials fall under the special exemptions

for military and overseas voting.

The ballot is returned under Business Reply Mail

(BRM) service.

Return postage is guaranteed through a postage

due account.

Postage on the Ballot Mail envelope is prepaid by

stamps, meter, or Permit Reply Mail.

For some of these exceptions, such as BRM, return

postage and Permit Reply Mail, the mailpiece will bear the

indicia “NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE

UNITED STATES” in the upper right-hand corner where

postage is typically applied.

Election officials should consult with Postal Service officials

to assist with mailpiece design and barcode placement

as well as to determine the proper amount of postage

required for mailing ballots to voters and the return

of marked ballots to election officials. Connect with a

Mailpiece Design Analyst by sending a request via the

customer portal at

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/

election-mail-review

or calling 877-672-0007 (select

option 3 for mailpiece design). For more information,

please see the

Mailing Standards of the United States

Postal Service,

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM

) 703.8.0

available on Postal Explorer at

https://pe.usps.gov/text/

dmm300/703.htm#ep1174014

Ballot Mail Examples

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service

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USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 25

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ELECTION MAIL CHECKBOXES

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

The Postal Service™ encourages election officials to use

all available tools to improve the visibility of their Election

Mail within the postal network. In particular, we strongly

recommended that election officials use the Election Mail

Checkboxes in eDoc, Mail.Dat, Mail.XML, Postal Wizard,

and Intelligent Mail for Small Business (IMsb) Tool when

preparing mail for processing.

To further increase visibility, in July 2024, the

existing Election Mail Checkbox was separated into

two distinct checkboxes: Election Mail – Official

Ballots and Election Mail – Non-Ballot Materials.

As a reminder,

Election Mail

is any item mailed to or

from authorized election officials that enables citizens to

participate in the voting process, such as sample ballots,

voter registration cards, absentee ballot applications,

and polling place notifications.

Ballot Mail

is a subset of

Election Mail. It consists of any mailpiece sent to or from

an authorized election official containing a live ballot that

may be used to cast a vote in an election. It is critical that

mailers understand the difference between Election Mail

and Ballot Mail when selecting the correct checkbox while

presenting the mail.

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

https://

postalpro.usps.com/

Please check the – “Election Mail - Official Ballots” or

“Election Mail – Non-Ballot Materials” box for each mailing

presented for acceptance. This provides the Postal

Service with important insight into Election Mail and Ballot

Mail volume by entry point that may help with future

Postal Service capacity planning.

An example of the Election Mail Checkboxes are

illustrated below.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH ELECTRONIC

DOCUMENTATION?

For assistance with selecting an appropriate electronic

documentation submission method, please discuss

your mailing needs with a mailing requirements clerk.

Contact the Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center

(MSSC) by emailing

MSSC@usps.gov

or calling 877-

672-0007 (select option 2 for mailing requirements)..

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Central Time (closed federal holidays).

Set up a Mailer ID (MID) by visiting

https://gateway.

usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin

and creating a Business

Customer Gateway (BCG) account.

PS Form 3600-FCM,

Postage Statement—First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage

The Election Mail checkboxes facilitate inclusion in

internal operational reporting, which is leveraged

by the Postal Service to identify any bottlenecks

or service impacts—and drives actions to address

them and improve service.

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 26

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Page 26

RECOMMENDATIONS ON MAILING

COMPLETED BALLOTS

Fact Sheet for Ballot Mail

Each state establishes by law the rules and requirements

for ballot submission, including ballot-submission deadlines

and the role, if any, that postmarks play in determining

whether a ballot was timely. Our general recommendation

to election officials is that, as a common-sense measure,

they

encourage domestic, nonmilitary voters to mail

their completed ballot before Election Day, and at

least one week prior to the deadline by which their

completed ballot must be received by the election

office

. In the normal course of operations, the Postal

Service does not postmark, or “cancel” every piece of

mail in the system. However, the Postal Service tries to

ensure that every return Ballot Mail envelope sent by voters

receives a postmark, whether the return envelope is mailed

with postage pre-paid by election officials or with a stamp

affixed by the voter.

Also, while our postmarking practices have not changed,

we have made adjustments to our transportation

operations that will result in some mailpieces not arriving

at our originating processing facilities on the same day

that they are mailed. Because postmarks are generally

applied at those processing facilities, this means that the

date on the postmarks applied at those facilities may not

necessarily match the date of mailing.

A voter can ensure that a postmark is applied to his

or her return Ballot Mail envelope, and that the date

on the postmark matches the date of mailing, by

visiting a Postal Service retail location and requesting

a manual (local) postmark at the retail counter

when dropping off the mailpiece for mailing. Manual

postmarks will be applied free of charge.

For more information on our postmarking practices,

review the fact sheet included on page 27 of this kit or

DMM 608.11.0: Postmarks and Postal Possession, on

Postal Explorer at

https://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/608.

htm#11.0

Figures 1, 2, and 3

Sample Postmarks

(Images not to scale

)

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 27

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Page 27

POSTMARKS AND POSTAL POSSESSION

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

The Postal Service has not changed and is not changing

our postmarking practices. Postmarks are generally

applied at our originating processing facilities and will

continue to be applied at those facilities in the same

manner and to the same extent as before. Postmarks

applied at those facilities will continue to contain the name

or location of the facility that applied the postmark and the

date on which the first automated processing operation

was performed on that mailpiece.

However, as the Postal Service continues to modernize

our transportation network and optimize our transportation

operations, it will become more common that some

mailpieces will not arrive at our originating processing

facilities on the same day that they were initially accepted

by the Postal Service. This means that the date on the

postmarks applied at our processing facilities will not

necessarily match the date on which the customer’s

mailpiece was collected by a letter carrier or dropped off

at a retail location.

To improve public awareness of what the postmark is and

the information it conveys, and in recognition of the fact

that our regulations did not formally define the postmark

or explain when and how it is applied, the Postal Service

updated the Domestic Mail Manual to

Define what the postmark is,

Identify the types of Postal Service markings that qualify

as postmarks,

Describe the circumstances under which those

markings are applied,

Clarify the scope of the information that those markings

do and do not convey, and

Advise customers of how to obtain evidence of the date

on which the Postal Service accepted possession of

their mailings.

While none of this information is unique to Election Mail,

we understand that some jurisdictions refer to postmarks

in their election laws and rules, and that customers may

want guidance on how to ensure that their mailpiece

receives a postmark with a date that matches the date of

mailing.

THE KEY POINTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

A postmark is a marking applied by the Postal Service

to a mailpiece. If applied at a retail unit, the postmark

displays the name or location of the retail unit and the

date on which the mailpiece was accepted at the retail

unit. If applied at a processing facility, the postmark

displays the name or location of the processing

facility and the date of the first automated processing

operation performed on that mailpiece.

The presence of a postmark confirms that the Postal

Service accepted custody of a mailpiece, and that the

mailpiece was in the possession of the Postal Service

on the identified date. However, the postmark date

does not necessarily indicate the first day that the

Postal Service had possession of the mailpiece, and the

absence of a postmark does not imply that the Postal

Service did not accept custody of a mailpiece.

3. If a customer wants to ensure that their Ballot

Mail (or other mailpiece) receives a postmark, and

that the date on the postmark aligns with the date

of mailing, the customer may take the mailpiece

to a Postal Service retail location and request a

manual (local) postmark at the retail counter when

tendering their mailpiece. The manual postmark

will be applied free of charge.

Our general recommendation remains unchanged: For

domestic, non-military voters who choose to use the

mail to return their completed ballot, the Postal Service

recommends, as a common-sense measure, that they mail

their completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one

week before it must be received by their election office.

For more information, please review

Mailing Standards of

the United States Postal Service

, Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM®) 608.11.0: Postmarks and Postal Possession, on

Postal Explorer at

https://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/608.

htm#11.0

Figure 4:

Sample Postmarks

(Images not to scale

)

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Page 28

ELECTION MAIL SECURITY

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

ELECTIONS AND U.S. POSTAL

INSPECTION SERVICE

The United States Postal Inspection Service® is the

federal law enforcement organization assigned to protect

the mail, including ballots mailed to and from voters

domestically and abroad. This important work is overseen

by postal inspectors, who are sworn federal agents,

specially chosen and trained to ensure that laws are

enforced, crimes are prevented, and the nation’s Election

Mail is securely delivered.

SECURITY OF VOTERS AND ELECTION MAIL

Postal inspectors respond to criminal and security

incidents involving Election Mail, including:

Mail theft

Identity theft

Fraud

Natural and man-made disasters

Additionally, postal inspectors respond to mail-

related incidents involving suspicious and threatening

communications along with dangerous items or

substances associated with mail.

SECURITY OF ELECTION OFFICIALS

Postal inspectors work with state and federal authorities to:

Investigate threats to election officials sent by mail.

Secure the postal network as a component of national

critical infrastructure.

Provide information to election officials to help them

identify and mitigate suspicious mail and other security

risks involving the mail.

CONTACT THE U.S. POSTAL

INSPECTION SERVICE

To report suspicious mail and Election Mail-related security

or criminal incidents, call the 24-hour National Law

Enforcement Communications Center at 877-876-2455

(select option 4 for Election Mail issues) or visit

https://

www.uspis.gov/report

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service also coordinates with

the USPS Office of Inspector General when allegations of

Postal Service employee misconduct arise. Learn more

about their work at

https://www.uspsoig.gov

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Page 29

NEXT STEPS

Fact Sheet for Election Mail

1. Familiarize yourself with the content of Kit 600,

2026-2027 Official Election Mail Guide.

For your convenience, we have also made Kit 600

available at

https://about.usps.com/election-mail/

election-mail-resources.htm

2. Consult with your local Manager, Customer

Relations.

The local Managers, Customer Relations (MCRs) are

designated Postal Service

™

employees who will help

you coordinate with the Postal Service for best results.

MCRs are your primary points of contact and can

provide guidance on the mailing process and help

match postal services to your needs.

Connect with your local MCR by submitting an inquiry

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/contact-local-mcr

3. Work with a Mailpiece Design Analyst.

The Postal Service recommends that election officials

have all Ballot Mail envelope designs reviewed each year

by an Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) prior to printing,

even if the designs have been previously approved.

MDAs are experts on Postal Service mailpiece design

standards and can ensure that all mailings are compliant

with current Postal Service regulations as well as

postage and automation requirements.

To take advantage of this free service, submit a design

review request at

https://electionmail.usps.com/s/

election-mail-review

or call 877-672-0007 (select

option 3 for mailpiece design). Hours of operation

are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central

Time (closed federal holidays). Also, mailpiece design

information is available online at

https://postalpro.usps.

com/mailing/mailpiece-design-analyst-mda-customer-

service-help-desk

4. Consider consulting with a certified Mail

Service Provider.

A Mail Service Provider (MSP) offers a variety of

solutions to mail owners seeking assistance with the

preparation and presentation of Full-Service presort

mailings. To learn about certified mail service providers

(MSPs), please visit

https://postalpro.usps.com/

node/3816

and

https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/

election-political-mail

. The latest lists of certified

MSPs can be found on these pages under Featured

Resources.

There are many advantages of using an MSP to prepare

Election Mail. An MSP can:

■

Provide/manage your address list.

■

Print and/or presort your mailing.

■

Ensure your mailing receives the greatest

discounts available.

■

Manage mailing feedback, such as address

correction service data.

■

Monitor mail quality reports.

5. Contact a mailing requirements clerk.

Discuss your reply mail needs with a Mailing

Requirements Clerk. Contact the Mailing and Shipping

Solutions Center (MSSC) by emailing

MSSC@usps.

gov

or calling 877-672-0007 (select option 2 for mailing

requirements). Hours of operation are Monday through

Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time (closed federal

holidays).

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide — page 30

February 2026

2026 United States Postal Service.

The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service.

USPS 2026–2027 Official Election Mail Guide

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