Postal Rate Change During the May 2008 Primary Voting Period

Postal rates are going up on May 12 from 41 to 42 cents for a one-ounce first-class letter. (Some ballots may weigh more than an ounce.) That affects the rate for mailing ballots that are mailed on or after May 12.

The DPO's election protection group has spoken with John Lindback, the State Director of Elections. They have met with the US Postal Service on this issue.

If a ballot is mailed after May 12 with 41 cents postage, the Postal Service will deliver all such ballots to the county elections office without any delays attributable to the 1 cent shortage. No ballots will be delayed or returned to sender for insufficient postage.

The Counties have agreed to eat the cost for any insufficient postage. The SOS will have a press release prior to the rate change reminding people of the rate change for mailing their ballots. The SOS office and the Counties are not likely to publicize on their own the fact that the Counties will absorb any costs for insufficient postage due to the rate change.