Legislation Search

H.R. 4915: Election Mail Act

This bill, known as the Election Mail Act, aims to improve the procedures and requirements for handling election-related mail, especially absentee ballots, for federal elections. It introduces several key provisions:

Same-Day Processing of Absentee Ballots

The bill mandates that the United States Postal Service (USPS) must process any absentee ballot the same day it is received by a postal facility. This requirement is intended to ensure that ballots are handled promptly and counts toward efficient election administration.

Intelligent Mail Barcodes for Ballots

States are required to include an intelligent mail barcode on the return envelope of each mailed ballot for federal elections. This update facilitates better tracking of ballots through the postal system. States that have an alternative tracking system for ballots may be exempted from this requirement.

Postmark Requirements for Ballots

The USPS must indicate on the ballot envelope when the ballot was mailed, ensuring that voters can verify when their ballots were sent out for processing. This is designed to increase transparency and confidence in the mail-in voting process.

Election Mail and Delivery Improvements

First-Class Mail Service: Election mail, including ballots, will be treated as first-class mail, allowing for reliable and timely delivery.
No Postage for Ballots: Completed ballots will not require postage, removing a potential barrier for voters.
Operational Stability: The USPS is prohibited from making operational changes that could hinder the timely delivery of election-related mail in the 120 days leading up to an election.
Election Mail Coordinators: The USPS is to appoint coordinators to work with state and local election officials to ensure smooth processes for mailing election materials.

Uniform Deadline for Acceptance of Mailed Ballots

The bill establishes a uniform deadline stating that ballots can be accepted if they are postmarked on or before election day and received within seven days after the election. This provision allows voters who mailed their ballots on time but whose ballots arrive late to still have their votes counted.

Consultation with Indian Tribes

The Postmaster General is required to consult annually with Tribal governments about voting barriers that exist on Indian lands, addressing unique challenges faced by eligible voters in these areas.

Effective Dates

The provisions regarding simultaneous processing of ballots and postmark requirements will apply to absentee ballots for federal elections occurring 60 days after the enactment of the bill. Other requirements regarding barcodes and ballot visibility will take effect for elections after January 1, 2026, and several sections will be applicable starting with the federal election in November 2026.

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Actions

2 actions

Date	Action
Aug. 05, 2025	Introduced in House
Aug. 05, 2025	Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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