Political Campaign Mail is a piece mailed for political campaign purposes by a political candidate, a campaign committee or a committee of a political party to promote political candidates, referendums or political campaigns.
- The most common format for Political Campaign Mail is an oversized post card promoting the candidacy of one or more individuals for elected offices on the local, state or federal levels.
- Political Campaign Mailpieces will bear endorsement required by federal or state law that is similar to: "Paid for by the committee to elect John Smith and authorized by John Smith."
- Mail from organizations, such as retiree associations, labor unions, religious groups and others that endorse specific candidates or political issues is not political campaign mail and must not use Tag 57.
- Specific responsibilities for handling Political Campaign Mailings are detailed in Postal Operations Manual (POM) 492.
Political Campaign Mailings
Any material mailed as First-Class Mail or Standard Mail for political campaign purposes by a registered political candidate, campaign committee or committee of a political party is classified as a "political campaign mailing." An individual or organization recognized as such by the appropriate government (national, state & local) election control authority is considered to be a registered political candidate or party.
Using Tag 57 With Political Campaign Mailings
Political campaing mailings are identified and documented when deposited at the Post Office acceptance units prior to entry into processing and distribution. Using a red Tag 57, Political Campaign Mailing, aids in the identification of political campaign mailings. First-Class Mail and Standard Mail entered by a registered political candidate, campaign committee or committee of a political party can be identified by using Tag 57 on the mailing containers. Use of Tag 57 with eligible campaign mailings is optional.
Mailings made by organizations other than those listed above, even if promoting or endorsing political candidates, referendums and so forth, are not classified as political campaign mailings and cannot use Tag 57.
