postalnews blog

From USPS Newslink Extra:

Absentee ballots must be delivered

That includes short-paid mail

The U.S. Postal Service has a very important role during every election cycle in the proper handling and delivery of political mail and absentee ballots.

Due to the size of the upcoming general election ballots in some states, the standard 39-cent First-Class postage voters are accustomed to using to mail their filled-out absentee ballots may be insufficient.

Regardless of whether or not these absentee ballots have the correct postage, they must be delivered. Any delay of absentee ballots is a violation of postal policy.

All employees must adhere to postal policy as follows:

• Any absentee ballots identified as short-paid will be accounted for according to postal policy and will be delivered to the addressee.
• No absentee ballots or other election material may be detained or treated as unpaid mail, as directed by Postal Operations Manual section 171.3.
• Questions about possible abuse or impropriety must be referred to supervisors.
• Willful delay of absentee ballots or other election material is a violation of policy, ethics and law.
• When presented with absentee ballots, Retail Sales and Services Associates should ensure correct postage is applied.Any questions or concerns about handling absentee ballots should be directed to District Political Mail Coordinators.