When Tarrant County resident Reba Henry headed to the post office with a mail‑in ballot and a Forever stamp already affixed, she was told the envelope was overweight and required an extra 29¢ of postage. Henry, who chose to vote by mail to avoid long lines and a scheduled surgery, had previously mailed ballots without incident, making the surprise charge a reminder for other voters.

Postage requirements clarified by the U.S. Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) explained that each state or local Board of Elections may decide whether to provide prepaid return envelopes or require voters to apply the correct postage themselves. “Election officials are responsible for informing voters of the amount of postage required,” the USPS said in a statement. “If a ballot is entered into the mailstream with insufficient postage, the Postal Service will still deliver it and then seek reimbursement from the appropriate Board of Elections.”

Tarrant County’s guidance

Tarrant County election officials did not respond to a request for comment, but the county’s website now includes a clear reminder: “Extra postage is required for sending in your ballot by mail for the November 3, 2026 election. One Forever stamp will not suffice.” The notice aims to prevent ballots from being delayed or returned due to inadequate postage.

Why the extra charge matters to voters

For voters like Henry, who rely on mail‑in voting to avoid crowded polling places, understanding the postage requirement is essential. “I think it’s another step that we have to take, but it’s also the times that we are in,” Henry said, emphasizing the need for vigilance in a busy election season.

Ensuring timely delivery of ballots

The USPS highlighted its long‑standing record of delivering election mail securely and on time, noting more than 150 years of experience. “We rely on longstanding, robust and tested policies and procedures that have proven successful in the secure and timely delivery of Election Mail,” the agency said.

What voters should do

Voters in Tarrant County and across North Texas are encouraged to double‑check the postage on their return envelopes well before the election deadline. The county’s website provides the exact amount needed, and local post offices can verify whether an envelope meets the weight and postage standards.

By staying informed and following the county’s guidance, voters can ensure their ballots arrive promptly and are counted, preserving the integrity of the democratic process.

Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.