The "Vote by Mail Tracking Act" proposes to amend title 39 of the United States Code by establishing new requirements for mail-in ballot envelopes used in federal elections, beginning in 2026. This legislation mandates that any government entity providing ballot envelopes for mail delivery must ensure they incorporate a Postal Service barcode or similar marking, enabling the tracking of each individual ballot. Furthermore, these envelopes must adhere to specific design and machineability standards promulgated by the Postal Service and prominently feature the Official Election Mail Logo . The Postmaster General is directed to furnish relevant information and tools to government entities by June 1 each calendar year to facilitate compliance with these new tracking and design specifications. This measure aims to enhance the transparency and security of the mail-in ballot process, with an exemption for Federal write-in absentee ballots.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 1.
Government Operations and Politics
Vote by Mail Tracking Act
USA119th CongressHR-7265| House
| Updated: 2/4/2026
The "Vote by Mail Tracking Act" proposes to amend title 39 of the United States Code by establishing new requirements for mail-in ballot envelopes used in federal elections, beginning in 2026. This legislation mandates that any government entity providing ballot envelopes for mail delivery must ensure they incorporate a Postal Service barcode or similar marking, enabling the tracking of each individual ballot. Furthermore, these envelopes must adhere to specific design and machineability standards promulgated by the Postal Service and prominently feature the Official Election Mail Logo . The Postmaster General is directed to furnish relevant information and tools to government entities by June 1 each calendar year to facilitate compliance with these new tracking and design specifications. This measure aims to enhance the transparency and security of the mail-in ballot process, with an exemption for Federal write-in absentee ballots.