What the Heck is "Red-Tag" Political Mail? Understanding USPS Political Mail for Campaigns

USPS Tag 57: Why Red-Tagging is Crucial for Timely and Effective Political Mail Delivery

I was doing mail for a client when the topic of “red tagging” came up.

I knew what this meant, but I remembered the first time I heard it—I had no clue.

“What the heck does red tagging mail mean?” I thought.

I’m sure some of you are in the same boat. You hear this term but don’t really know what it means.

Well, fear not. I’m here to explain red-tagging mail and why it’s important for your campaign.

Election Season = Tons of Mail

Every election season, candidates and political organizations inundate the postal system with campaign mail, aiming to reach voters before they cast their ballots.

A key tool in this process is the United States Postal Service's (USPS) red-tag political mail system, designed to prioritize and expedite the delivery of political messages. Here's a closer look at how red-tag political mail works, who can use it, and why it's essential for timely voter communication.

The Red Tag: USPS Tag 57

The "red tag," referred to as USPS Tag 57, is a special identifier that helps political mail stand out in the sea of postal deliveries. This red container tag is affixed to trays, sacks, and pallets of political mail, signaling to USPS personnel that these items should be treated with priority, like First Class mail, despite being sent as bulk mail.

The goal is to ensure that campaign messages are delivered promptly, typically within 2 to 4 days from a sectional center facility (SCF) drop, although delivery times can vary based on several factors.

The USPS recommends using Tag 57 to identify trays and sacks containing political campaign mail (PCM). Though its use is optional, the tag significantly increases the visibility of political mail containers as they move through USPS processing and distribution operations. The tag is intended exclusively for First-Class and Standard Mail from registered political candidates, campaign committees, or political parties involved in elections.

Who Qualifies for Red-Tag Mail?

Red-tag mail is available for use by registered political candidates, campaign committees, political parties, Political Action Committees (PACs), Super-PACs, and other organizations engaged in issue advocacy or voter mobilization. Essentially, any entity involved in political campaigning can leverage this system to ensure their mail receives expedited processing.

Managing Mail Volume During Elections

Election periods see a significant increase in mail volume, and not all mail is treated equally. The USPS prioritizes mail based on the postage paid, with Express, Priority, and First Class mail at the top. Standard Bulk Mail, which includes nonprofit mail, sits at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of cost and service speed. By preparing mail according to USPS guidelines—such as sorting and bundling—mailers can benefit from reduced postage rates, though delivery times can vary significantly, especially during peak periods.

Cost Considerations: For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Mail

Political mail can be sent under a for-profit mail permit if it's directly from a candidate or as nonprofit mail if paid for and sent by a state party. While nonprofit mail is cheaper, both types receive the same expedited treatment with a red tag. This cost-saving measure is crucial for campaigns operating on tight budgets.

Navigating Load Leveling and Delivery Times

The USPS's "load leveling" policy aims to distribute mail evenly throughout the week to prevent overwhelming postal facilities, particularly with Monday deliveries. This policy can affect the consistency of in-home delivery dates, making it challenging to guarantee specific arrival times. For political campaigns, this variability underscores the importance of early mailing to ensure messages reach voters before Election Day.

Choosing the Right Vendor for Political Mail

Selecting a vendor familiar with the intricacies of red-tag political mail is crucial for a successful campaign. When evaluating potential vendors, ask about their experience with political mail and specifically their familiarity with USPS Tag 57. An experienced vendor should be able to explain their process for sorting, bundling, and tagging political mail to ensure it receives the expedited treatment it requires. If a vendor is not knowledgeable about red-tag procedures, it could lead to delays and mismanagement of your campaign mail, potentially missing critical delivery windows.

Tracking and Ensuring Delivery

Red-tag political mail is tracked and logged at each stage of the USPS handling process. This tracking provides a way to monitor the progress of campaign mail, ensuring it reaches its intended recipients. While traditional tracking methods were once the primary means of monitoring mail, modern tracking technologies now offer more accurate and reliable ways to follow election mail through the postal system.

Conclusion: The Importance of Red-Tagging Your Campaign Mail

Utilizing red-tag political mail can be a game-changer for campaigns looking to maximize their reach and impact.

The red tag ensures that political messages are prioritized, saving both time and money. In the fast-paced world of elections, where timing is crucial, ensuring your mail is red-tagged can make the difference between a message seen and a message missed.

So, regardless of your campaign's color, remember to tag your political mail red for efficient and effective voter communication.

Reach Out to APL Consulting for Your Mail Needs

At APL Consulting, we pride ourselves on mail design, print, and delivery. If you need assistance with creating your mail plan, designing your piece, printing, and mailing, we've got you covered. Reach out to me today at APL@AndrewLoposser.com. We are committed to helping you achieve efficient and effective voter communication.