A Massachusetts Absentee Ballot Envelope requires how much postage?
The Absentee Ballot return envelope says, "Place Stamp(s) here."
Hmm. It's 10.5" X 6". Seems oversized to me.
Hello City Hall
I called the City of Boston Election Department and the operator told me that it needs one stamp. She didn't seem to sure, so I asked to speak to someone in the election department.
She transferred me and I was disconnected. I called back. She tried again and the line was busy. I asked for a direct #. I called myself and the line was busy.
Mayor Menino does not believe in voice mail.
I called back and spoke with a woman who told me that I should probably put a few stamps on the envelope. She said it depends on the mail carrier if it gets delivered. She said it depends on their mood that day.
She gets ballots delivered with none, 1, 2 and 3 stamps.
I explained that I thought the envelope seemed oversized and she suggested that I use two stamps.
How about finding out exactly what they require and then telling people that? I also suggested that she tell the main swithchboard operator to stop giving out false information.
Hello United States Postal Service
Looking at the USPS postage price calculator, it says:
Letters that meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics below are subject to the $0.20 nonmachinable surcharge. For items over 3.5 ounces, see large envelope or package prices.
- It is a square letter
- It is too rigid – does not bend easily
- It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices
- It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter
- It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven
- The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5
So my letter is 10.5 / 6 = 1.75. Seems ok.
Is it too rigid? Hmm...
I'm bringing it to the post office for an official determination.
Update:
Video - It Costs 59 Cents to Vote in Massachusetts
Additional version: YouTube
Update 8/29/08:
Just got a call from the City of Boston election department. They are going to include a note in the Absentee Ballot mailings and on the website to let people know that it costs 59 cents to mail.
Yay! Thanks for calling!
Update 9/17/13:
Just got my absentee ballot for the upcoming election.
The envelope still says Place Stamp(s) here.
There is no note included with the mailing telling me how much postage to use. The City of Boston website has no note either.