Federal Register #2026-17238

USPS Final Rule: Federal Ballot Mail Standards for Federal Elections

This final rule from the United States Postal Service establishes new standards for handling mail-in and absentee ballots in federal elections. - Government Buyer: - United States Postal Service (USPS) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement - Products/Services Requested: - Outbound Federal Ballot Mail Envelope - Must include Official Election Mail logo - Automation compatible - Unique Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) with Delivery Point ZIP Code and Federal Ballot Mail Service Type Identifier (STID) - Requires mailpiece design review by USPS - Return Federal Ballot Mail Envelope - Same requirements as outbound envelope - Federal Ballot Mail Portal Data Submission and Verification - States and authorized users must submit mailpiece-level data (voter name, address, unique IMbs) via USPS portal - USPS verifies compliance before accepting outbound mailings - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Introduction of the Federal Ballot Mail Portal for data submission and verification - Flexible timelines for data entry and updates - Standardized envelope design and barcode requirements - Enhanced mail visibility and tracking to support election integrity - Applies to all federal election ballot mail; clarifies mail-in and absentee ballots are treated synonymously - No impact on voter eligibility or state election administration - No procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory change affecting election mail procedures.

Description

The Postal Service is amending the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, regarding the transmission of mail-in or absentee ballots for federal elections pursuant to its rulemaking authority. This final rule aims to facilitate enforcement of federal law, reduce the risk of fraud, and help protect the integrity of federal elections. The rule includes mailpiece design and data reporting standards for Federal Ballot Mail and establishes a Federal Ballot Mail Portal for data submission and verification. The rule is effective August 21, 2026, and applies to mail-in and absentee ballots sent through the U.S. Mail for federal elections.

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