USPS's Message to Voters Opting to Use the Mail to Cast a Ballot

• If you are eligible to vote by mail and choose to do so, you should plan ahead to give yourself enough time to complete and return your ballot by your state’s deadlines.

• Be sure to know your state’s requirements and recommendations on receiving a blank ballot and mailing your completed ballot.

• Mail your completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one week before the deadline by which your completed ballot must be received by your election office. Some states may recommend allowing even more time for mailing completed ballots.

• A voter can ensure that a postmark is applied to his or her return ballot, and that the date on the
postmark matches the date of mailing, by visiting a Postal Service retail office location and requesting a manual (local) postmark from a retail associate at the retail counter when dropping off the ballot for mailing.

• Manual postmarks will be applied free of charge.