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Check the tags

Handle Election Mail, Political Mail properly

Green Tag 191 and Red Tag 57

The Postal Service is reminding employees of the differences between the tags for Political Mail and Election Mail.

Red Tag 57, for Political Mail, may be used on campaign mailings by registered political candidates and organizations engaging in issue advocacy or voter mobilization.

Green Tag 191, for domestic and international ballots, may only be used to identify ballot mail addressed for domestic or international delivery.

To make sure this mail is promptly processed and delivered on time, employees should follow these tips:

  • Look for mail containers identified with Tag 57 or Tag 191 and handle them properly.
  • Use Tag 191 to identify ballot mail only. Absentee ballot mail should be expedited through processing operations due to time sensitive delivery requirements.
  • Use Tag 57 to properly identify and document mail using the Political Mail log and process according to usual criteria and guidelines.
  • If this mail isn’t identified with a tag, attach the appropriate tag before processing. Report problems with Political Mail or absentee ballot mail to your supervisor.

The Election Mail and Political Mail site on Blue has more information.

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