Postal Bulletin looks at Election Mail and Political Mail

Election Mail and Political Mail Overview

What is Election Mail?

Election Mail is any item mailed to or from authorized election officials that enables citizens to participate in the voting process, such as ballots, sample ballots, voter registration cards, absentee voting applications, and polling place notifications.

What is Ballot Mail?

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. Ballot Mail sent to a voter is often referred to as “outbound” Ballot Mail, whereas Ballot Mail sent from a voter is called “return” or “inbound” Ballot Mail.

What is Political Mail?

Political Mail is any material mailed for campaign purposes by a registered political candidate, campaign committee, or committee of a political party, as well as any material mailed by a political action committee or organization engaging in issues advocacy or voter mobilization.

The Postal Service 2026 Election and Political Mail Plan coordinates strategy with key organizational priorities. The plan objectives are to:

n Educate and inform the public on proper mail handling, key dates, and operational guidelines for Election Mail and Political Mail.

n Reinforce the message that the Postal Service is deeply committed to its job of delivering Election Mail, especially Ballot Mail.

n Ensure the correct use of the Official Election Mail logo. It may be used on all Election Mail, including Ballot Mail created for federal, state, and local government elections.

Related posts