What does Preamble of Election Mail Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title 39, United States Code, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to improve procedures and requirements related to election mail,' aims to modify existing legislation. The bill intends to improve procedures and requirements related to election mail.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Election Mail Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Election Mail Act.

What does SAME-DAY PROCESSING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS. of Election Mail Act do?

This section amends Chapter 34 of title 39, United States Code, to add Section 3407 regarding same-day processing of ballots. The Postal Service is directed to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that ballots are processed and cleared from postal facilities on the same day they are received. The term 'ballot' is defined as any ballot transmitted by mail in an election for Federal office, excluding ballots covered by section 3406. An 'election for Federal office' includes general, special, primary, or runoff elections for President, Vice President, Senator, Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner. The chapter heading for chapter 34 is amended to read 'Armed Forces; Free Postage; Election Mail'. The table of chapters and sections for chapter 34 are updated to include the new section 3407. The amendments apply to absentee ballots for Federal office elections occurring on or after 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

What does INTELLIGENT MAIL BARCODES FOR BALLOTS. of Election Mail Act do?

This section amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish requirements for mailed ballots. States and jurisdictions must include an intelligent mail barcode on return envelopes for ballots in elections for Federal office. An exception exists for states using alternative ballot tracking systems. The term 'State' includes various territories and the District of Columbia. These requirements apply to elections occurring on or after January 1, 2026. Section 401 of the Help America Vote Act is amended to include enforcement of the new mailed ballot requirements. Section 321(a) of the Act is amended to reflect the redesignation of sections within Title III.

What does ELECTION MAIL AND DELIVERY IMPROVEMENTS. of Election Mail Act do?

This section requires the Postal Service to mark absentee ballots carried by them with a postmark indicating they were mailed and the date of mailing. The definition of 'absentee ballot' excludes ballots covered by section 3406, and 'election for Federal office' includes general, special, primary, or runoff elections for federal offices. States and local election officials must affix Tag 191 (or a successor tag) to trays or sacks of official ballots destined for domestic or international addresses. Election officials must also use the Official Election Mail logo to designate official ballots and ensure the ballot service type identifier is visible if an intelligent mail barcode is utilized. These requirements apply to elections for Federal office occurring on or after the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

What does CARRIAGE OF ELECTION MAIL. of Election Mail Act do?

This section amends Title 39 of the United States Code to establish regulations regarding the carriage of election mail. It defines 'election for Federal office' as including general, special, primary, or runoff elections for federal positions. “Election mail” is defined to include voter registration materials, absentee ballot applications and ballots, and other materials related to federal elections sent by election officials. Election mail, excluding materials covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act, must be carried according to first-class mail service standards. Completed absentee or mail-in ballots (again, excluding materials covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act) will be carried free of postage. During the 120 days preceding a federal election, the Postal Service is prohibited from making operational changes that would restrict the prompt and reliable delivery of election mail. Prohibited operational changes include removing mail collection boxes without immediate replacement and stopping the operation of mail sorting machines (except for routine maintenance). The Postal Service must appoint an Election Mail Coordinator at each area and district office to share information with election officials. Section 2401(c) of Title 39 is amended to include section 3409 in the list of sections for reimbursement of postal service revenue forgone. The amendments made by this section will take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

What does UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE CONSULTATION. of Election Mail Act do?

This section requires the Postmaster General to consult annually with Indian Tribes. The consultations should address issues related to the United States Postal Service that hinder voting for eligible voters residing on Indian lands. “Indian lands” is defined to include Indian country, Alaska Native lands, Tribal government locations, and statistical areas associated with Indian Tribes. “Indian Tribe” is defined as the recognized governing body of various Native groups, as listed in the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

What does UNIFORM DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAILED BALLOTS. of Election Mail Act do?

This section amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish a uniform deadline for acceptance of mailed ballots for Federal office elections. State and local election officials may not refuse to accept or process mailed ballots if they are postmarked on or before the election date and received within 7 days after the election. States are not prohibited from counting ballots received after the 7-day period following the election. This section applies to regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office held in November 2026 and subsequent elections.

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Election Mail Act

Last updated: 7/31/2025 · Introduced: 7/31/2025

Author: Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates the United States Postal Service to process and clear ballots received through mail on the same day they are received, aiming for expedited delivery.
States and jurisdictions are required to include intelligent mail barcodes on return envelopes for mailed ballots in federal elections, with an exception for states using alternative tracking systems.
The Postal Service must mark absentee ballots with a postmark indicating the mailing date and requires election officials to use specific tags and logos to identify official ballots.
To ensure timely delivery, the Postal Service is prohibited from making operational changes that would restrict election mail delivery during the 120 days preceding a federal election, including removing collection boxes or stopping mail sorting machines.
The bill establishes a uniform deadline allowing states to accept mailed ballots postmarked on or before the election date and received within seven days afterward for federal elections starting in November 2026.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4915(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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