Use of First Class Mail Recommended: It is recommended that all absentee ballots be forwarded by first class mail.  Forwarding ballots using the less expensive non-profit bulk rate can result in extended delivery times which can range anywhere from one to two weeks.  In addition, ballots that are forwarded via non-profit bulk rate that are undeliverable due to an improper or incomplete address are simply junked as opposed to being returned to the sender. 

United States Postal Rate Increase:  As previously announced, new federal postal rates went into effect on May 14, 2007.  While in the past, postage rates were primarily based on weight, the new rates also take the shape, size and thickness of the mailing piece into consideration.  As a result of this change, postal workers are giving closer scrutiny to the size and weight of envelopes.   

·  1 oz. letter size rate (maximum size - 6 1/8 inches x 11 1/2 inches) = 42 cents for first class single rate piece.

·  1 oz. flat size rate (maximum size is 12 inches x 15 inches) = 83 cents for first class single rate piece.

Envelope weight should not exceed 1 ounce ? the maximum weight that can be sent with a 42 cent stamp.  If the envelope exceeds 1 ounce, an additional 17 cents is charged for each additional ounce or fraction thereof. 

Policy Change - Postage Due: As the result of a recent change to U.S. Postal Policy, absentee ballots which contain insufficient postage ("shortpaid") may not, under any circumstances, be returned to the sender and must be delivered to the city or township clerk as addressed.  Any postage due is to be collected from the jurisdiction upon delivery or at a later date.  As always, absentee ballots bearing the indicia "US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406" for use by military and overseas voters, do not require postage.  The USPS mail manuals provide the following:

·        Absentee ballots addressed to an election office, with or without sufficient postage, must be delivered.  Absentee ballots must not be detained or held for postage payment.

·        Military and overseas absentee ballots bearing indicia "US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406" are not shortpaid and no additional postage is needed.