Yes, USPS will deliver mail-in ballots with insufficient postage

Millions of Americans have already started casting their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Some of those voters are sending their ballots in the mail, which has prompted social media posts about how much postage people need to have their ballot delivered. 

In response to one of those posts, someone on Reddit said the U.S. Postal Service will still deliver mail-in ballots if insufficient postage is placed on the ballot envelope. VERIFY readers Anne and Sue also emailed our team to ask if that’s true. 

THE QUESTION

Will the postal service deliver mail-in ballots with insufficient postage?

THE SOURCES

• United States Postal Service (USPS) 
• Martha Johnson, USPS spokesperson
• National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

THE ANSWER

Yes, the postal service will deliver mail-in ballots with insufficient postage.

WHAT WE FOUND

The postal service will deliver a mail-in ballot even if it has insufficient or unpaid postage. This is due to a USPS policy that requires the postal service not to delay the delivery of completed absentee balloting materials, including mail-in ballots, according to USPS and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

“We are proactively working with state and local election officials on mailing requirements, including postage payment. In cases where a ballot enters the mailstream without the proper postage, the Postal Service will deliver the ballot and thereafter attempt to collect postage from the appropriate Board of Elections,” USPS says on an FAQs page about voting by mail. 

So, it’s true that the postal service will deliver mail-in ballots if they don’t have enough postage — but election officials, and your tax dollars, may end up footing the bill for the missing stamps. 

If the majority of voters don’t add postage to their ballots, “this could be a significant expense for a local election office,” the NCSL says. 

No postage is required to mail a ballot in 19 states and Washington, D.C, according to NCSL. But, if you live elsewhere, you may be responsible for postage. 

That’s because each state or local Board of Elections determines whether to provide voters with a prepaid return envelope for mail-in ballots, according to USPS. They may also request that voters apply their own appropriate postage. 

Many mail ballots need just a single first-class stamp. However, you’ll likely need a second stamp if your ballot is bulky and weighs more than an ounce. USPS requires election officials to inform voters of the amount of postage required, if applicable, USPS spokesperson Martha Johnson previously told VERIFY. 

If you plan to mail your ballot, state and local elections officials in your area can provide information about the rules, deadlines and policies specific to where you live. For local voting and registration questions, click here to find your local election office’s contact information. For statewide voting guidance, visit USA.gov in order to easily access your state's official election office website.