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USPS Proposes Mandatory Ballot Tracking System for Federal Elections

The U.S. Postal Service unveiled new regulatory requirements Friday. States must now submit voter names, addresses and ballot barcodes for federal elections. The proposal establishes binding standards for mail-in ballot handling, including Election Mail logos, tracking systems and design protocols. States must provide voter-level data through a new Federal Ballot Mail Portal, enabling USPS to track outbound and returned ballots. The rule allows USPS to reject ballot mailings failing to meet standards or lacking corresponding state voter lists. USPS says the system will help identify discrepancies between mailed and returned ballots for investigation. The requirement applies to general, special and runoff federal elections, excluding primaries and military-overseas ballots. States retain authority over voter eligibility determinations. The proposal shifts USPS from recommending ballot practices to enforcing them governmentwide.