U.S. Postal Service says it’s “business as usual” for 2026 election

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The U.S. Postal Service recently held a briefing on its Election Mail processes and procedures to reiterate its commitment to the secure and timely delivery of ballots.

“The Postal Service is confident and ready to deliver a successful Election Mail season,” Postmaster General David Steiner said. “[W]e share a common goal: instilling confidence in all Americans that their Election Mail will be handled securely – and delivered reliably.”

Adrienne Marshall, director of Election and Government Mail Services at the Postal Service added, “Our Postal Service employees are diligently working to process and deliver ballots on time, and we ask that voters do their part and mail early.” The organization’s long-standing recommendation is that domestic non-military voters mail their completed ballots BEFORE Election Day, and AT LEAST ONE WEEK before they must be received by their election office.

The nation’s postal network is currently operating without any major reported disruptions, and service performance across the nation is strong. Through Oct. 9, ballot mail delivery performance scores were high: 97.98 percent of ballot mail was delivered on time when compared with the Postal Service’s service standard.

“The Postal Service has a long and strong record of successfully delivering Election Mail,” said the Postal Service Board of Governor’s Chair Amber McReynolds. “That record is not accidental, and it reflects extensive planning, close coordination with scores of stakeholders, and the training and commitment of hundreds of thousands of postal employees who understand the importance of this responsibility.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service partners with the Postal Service to ensure a successful election season.

“In this election cycle, and every election cycle, the Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the safe and secure delivery of Election Mail, the integrity of our elections, and the protection of election officials and election offices from threatening and dangerous mail,” said Brendan Donahue, the organization’s deputy chief inspector. “With more than 170 million delivery points nationwide, upholding the security of Election Mail, and all mail, is a team effort.”

Marshall concluded, “Our processes and procedures for this year will be consistent with previous election cycles.”

The Postal Service is not implementing or enforcing the Ballot Mail for Federal Elections rule for the 2026 General Election.

Those who want to learn more about the Postal Inspection Service and Election Mail security can visit uspis.gov/election-mail-security. A recording of the Election Mail Media Briefing can be viewed here. Passcode: Z3#2Lt!r