Attn: USPS will still deliver absentee ballots with insufficient postage to the division. The division of elections is not required to pay postage for return ballots and it usually does not. The division did pay postage for return ballots during the special primary election because this was an all-by-mail election. Postage is paid by the federal government for military and overseas citizens with UOCAVA ballots.
In each election cycle, the amount of postage required to return a by-mail ballot varies depending on ballot size and paper type. The division provides detailed instructions about how to vote and return a by-mail ballot. These instructions include the amount of postage required.
We had the Anchorage USPS weigh a ballot return package and they said it weighed between 1.1 and 1.2 ounces. Any mail over 1.0 ounce causes postage to increase from 60 cents (one forever stamp) to 84 cents. Realizing that scales may vary, the division felt it was best to go with the higher number in the instructions.
That said, USPS will still deliver absentee ballots with insufficient postage to the division. USPS Publication 632 (January 2022) states, “Shortpaid and unpaid absentee balloting materials will not be returned to the voter for additional postage. Postage is collected from the election office upon delivery or at a later date. The Postal Service will not delay delivery of balloting materials with insufficient postage.” https://postalpro.usps.com/election-political-mail/pub-632 . Voters may also return absentee ballots in person at any regional office, absentee or early voting location, or polling place on election day.
Original source can be found here.
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