Special Procedures
APO/FPO/DPO Absentee Ballots
September 15, 2014 – November 4, 2014

The U.S. Postal Service and the Military Postal Service have again joined forces to expedite delivery of absentee ballots to overseas military personnel.  We recognize the important role mail plays in the election process and are committed to ensuring that everyone who votes by mail experiences a smooth, well-organized process – one that provides them with the highest levels of trust and confidence.  That’s why we’ve developed Special Procedures for APO/FPO/DPO Absentee Ballots for the 2014 General Election.  

Here is a summary of the program: 

•	Ideally, Election Officials should mail absentee ballots at least 45 days prior to the November 4th election.  All military absentee ballots mailed by election offices between September 15th and November 4th will receive special handling.

•	Local election offices are requested to segregate military absentee ballots to the Chicago International / Military Service Center (ISC) gateway and the Miami International Service Center.  See reverse side for directions and templates for marking the bundles.

•	Trays or containers of absentee ballot mail may be identified using Tag 191, Domestic and International Ballots, and presented to the Post Office.  Contact your local Post Office for more information on standard procedures for election offices.

•	APO/FPO/DPO absentee ballots will be sent from local Post Offices to the nearest Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) for further processing.

•	At the International Service Centers, absentee ballots receive special handling.

See reverse side for directions and templates for marking the bundles.

    APO/FPO     AE     090

  Absentee Ballots 090-099	    

    APO/FPO   AA    340

    Absentee Ballots 340	

    APO/FPO     AP     962

  Absentee Ballots 962-966

    APO/FPO       MIXED

       Absentee Ballots	

ELECTION OFFICIALS:  Separate military absentee ballots by preparing bundles for the two International Service Center (ISC) military gateways: Chicago and Miami.  Use the facing slip templates above to identify the bundles.  Each bundle must have a facing slip for the appropriate ISC.  

ISC Name	ISC State Abbreviation	ISC ZIP Code Range	
Chicago	AE	090 – 099 	
Chicago	AP	962 - 966	
Miami	AA	340	

If there are less than five pieces to make a separate bundle, a mixed bundle may be prepared.  This bundle must have the facing slip marked, “APO/FPO MIXED – Absentee Ballots.”

When in doubt, ask your local Post Office.