United States Postal Service Mail Guidelines

Guidelines for Election Mail

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), the back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), acknowledgement cards, and other election materials can all be sent postage paid via First-Class Mail to citizens covered by Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

For specific guidelines for preparing ballot materials, review Section 703.8.0 of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual or the USPS Election Officials' Mailing Resource Site

Envelope Design and Printing

Follow these USPS guidelines when designing and printing your absentee balloting envelopes:

Use black ink on white paper
Place Facing Identification Marks at the top right-hand corner of the mail piece
Place "U.S. Postage Paid 39 USC 3406" in upper right-hand corner. Print "PAR AVION" below
Print "Official Absentee Balloting Material–First-Class Mail" on front of envelope with "No Postage Necessary in the U.S. Mail–DMM 703.8.0" below
Use the Official Election Mail Logo

Ballot Transmission Envelope Sample

Use this this envelope style to send balloting materials to voters:

Ballot Transmission Envelope

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Ballot Return Envelope Samples

Use these envelope styles when designing your voter ballot return envelopes. We request that you include your local election office's return address on the front of the envelope. Additionally there are two samples of the back of the envelope. One is for use when a notary/witness is required and the other is used when no notary/witness is required. Use whichever envelope style your state law requires.

Ballot Return Envelope - Front

Ballot Return Envelope - Back (Witness/Notary not required.)

Ballot Return Envelope - Back (Witness/Notary required.)

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Postal Tag for Election Materials

What Is It?

Tag 191 identifies both domestic and UOCAVA election mail prepared at the First-Class Mail or Standard Mail rates. Tag 191 has a highly visible lime green color that displays the Official Election Mail Logo and the words "Ballots Only." The tag is not required but may be used for official ballot mail addressed for domestic or international delivery that is prepared in trays or sacks.

Can I Use It?

Only election officials may use Tag 191 to identify ballot mail. Organizations or individuals who send materials that promote political candidates, referendums, or political campaigns may NOT use the Tag.

How Do I Use It?

Attach Tag 191 to mail under these guidelines:

Strapped Letter Trays: Attach using a wire twist tie to strap at the end of the tray that bears the tray label.
Non-strapped Letter Trays: Attach to the tray with a rubber band that is double-looped through the tray handhold at the end that bears the tray label.
Sacks with Flat-Size Mail: Depending on the type of sack, attach to either the strap or label holder on the sack.

How Do I Get It?

Ask your local Postmaster, Mailpiece Design Analyst, or Business Mail Entry Unit Contact to order a supply, and remember to make your request early.

More Expedited Mail Options

At your own expense, you may send balloting materials to UOCAVA citizens faster than first-class mail. USPS provides several options:

For Overseas APO/FPO Addresses

Consider using Express Mail Military Service (EMMS). EMMS offers 2-3 day service to locations throughout the world. It is available at all USPS facilities that accept domestic Express Mail. For guidelines and specifications, refer to Section 703.2.6 of the Domestic Mail Manual. Contact your local post office for more information about EMMS and its availability.

For Overseas Non-APO/FPO Addresses

Consider using one of the many expedited service options. Some of these services include: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, and Priority Mail International. For more information about these services refer to USPS International Mail and Packages