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USNoticeOfficial ✓September 1, 2026· Federal Register

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

What happened

The United States Postal Service (USPS) finalized a new General Privacy Act System of Records (SOR) called USPS 820.225, Federal Ballot Mail. This new system, signed by Donald Trump, will maintain records of individuals' addresses, unique Intelligent Mail barcodes on ballot envelopes, and the issuing state or political subdivision. This action coincides with a Final Rule amending the Domestic Mail Manual regarding federal election mail, and no changes were made to the new system despite public comments.

Why it matters

This policy creates a specific government record-keeping system for federal ballot mail, detailing who receives and sends ballots. The data collected helps implement new mailing standards for federal elections, affecting how election mail is tracked and processed by the USPS.

Who it affects

  • United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • Individuals sending and receiving federal ballots
  • States issuing federal ballots
  • Political subdivisions issuing federal ballots
Receipts

The receipts are official. The summary is ours.

Read on Federal Register

Summaries are generated from the official text and may simplify or omit nuance. The official document is the source of truth.

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