Residents Advised to Contact Galveston County Elections Officials to Participate in “Vote by Mail” program

Recommended mailing dates for overseas military members fast approaching

With thousands of Galveston residents displaced from their homes, the Postal Service is advising citizens to contact the office of the Galveston County Clerk if they wish to determine their eligibility to participate in the “Vote by Mail” process.

“We are working closely with officials from the Elections Division with Galveston County to ensure every Galveston resident that utilizes the Vote by Mail process receives their ballot promptly,” said Houston District Manager Kelvin Williams. Specifics regarding the Vote by Mail process are available via the Galveston County website at http://www.galvestonvotes.org , or by calling 409-765-2605. For specific Vote by Mail guidelines in other counties in the state of Texas, visit the website for the Secretary of State at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/links.shtml#County. 

The Postal Service plays no role in how elections are carried out in the United States, although it is fully authorized to inform and educate election officials about USPS products and services available. The non-partisan "Mailing Resources Center for Election Officials," a well-trained sales force, mail acceptance employees and employees with expertise in designing election mail pieces have been providing reliable, trusted expertise to election officials across the country, Williams said.

Voters are asked to mail completed absentee ballots five days before they are due to ensure the safe, timely delivery of their vote.  Americans overseas, including men and women in the Armed Services, should plan on sending ballots back at least two weeks before Nov. 4, the date of the federal general election. Service members stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan are asked to mail completed ballots by Sept. 30, where possible.

Mail delivery resumed for most Galveston postal customers on September 29. A temporary mail pickup location in La Marque is continuing to operate for residential and business postal customers requesting this service. Located at 14057 Delaney Road in La Marque in the Gulfway Plaza at La Marque outlet mall, the temporary site began operations on September 23, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Gulfway Plaza at La Marque site also has retail service and Post Office Box mail available for pickup by postal customers normally served at both the Galveston Main Post Office and Bob Lyons Station.

Service members and Americans living abroad can mail their completed ballots free of charge by bringing the ballot to APO/FPO Post Offices or to a consulate of the United States.

The Postal Service also offers the following suggestions for voters this fall:

• Make sure to use proper postage and that the stamp appears in the upper right hand corner on the front of the envelope.
• Place completed ballots inside the envelope correctly. Most return envelopes for ballots have a clear window on the front so the mailing address can be clearly seen.
• Check with local election offices for rules on requesting and completing absentee ballots.
• Visit the state’s website online to find out where election offices are located in the state and to get information governing voting by mail.

To visit the Mailing Resources Center for Election Officials center, please log on to:  www.usps.com/electionmail .