Every mail-in ballot for a federal election would be treated as first-class mail and carried postage-free under this bill, removing the need for voters to find and affix a stamp. The Postal Service would have to process ballots the same day they arrive at a facility, postmark every ballot envelope with the mailing date, and appoint Election Mail Coordinators at each area and district office. States would be required to include intelligent mail barcodes on return envelopes so voters can track their ballots through the system. The bill also freezes USPS operational changes — like removing mailboxes or shutting down sorting machines — for 120 days before any federal election. A nationwide rule would require states to count any ballot postmarked by Election Day that arrives within seven days afterward. The Postmaster General would also be required to consult annually with Indian Tribes to address postal barriers to voting on tribal lands.
Congressional Summary
Election Mail ActThis 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) toensure (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, andconsult 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.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Action Date
- Date Added
- 2026-04-02