Election Mail Act

Election Mail Act

This bill addresses the delivery and processing of election mail for federal elections, including by establishing certain standards for mail-in ballots.

Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to

• ensure (to the maximum extent practicable) same-day processing of mail-in ballots,
• postmark each ballot,
• carry election mail (e.g., voter registration applications and mail-in ballots) as first-class mail that is free of postage,
• appoint an election mail coordinator at each area office and district office, and
• consult annually with Indian tribes regarding barriers to voting for eligible voters living on Indian lands.

The bill prohibits the USPS, within 120 days of a federal election, from making any operational change that would restrict the prompt and reliable delivery of election mail.

Each state and jurisdiction must provide with each mail-in ballot a return envelope with an intelligent mail barcode. This requirement does not apply to a state or jurisdiction that uses an alternative system that enables voters to track the ballot through the mail.

The bill requires election officials to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by election day and arrive within seven days after the election.

The Election Mail Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2987, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of election mail, such as ballots and voter registration materials, by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at improving the handling and delivery of election mail. One of the main provisions is the requirement for the USPS to prioritize election mail and provide expedited processing and delivery services for such mail. This is intended to ensure that election mail is delivered in a timely manner and that voters have ample time to receive and return their ballots.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the handling of election mail. This includes requirements for the USPS to provide regular updates on the status of election mail delivery and to establish procedures for tracking and reporting on the handling of such mail. Overall, the Election Mail Act seeks to address concerns about the reliability and efficiency of the USPS in delivering election mail, particularly in light of the increased reliance on mail-in voting in recent elections. By implementing these provisions, the bill aims to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in elections.