Saved copy of
Privacy Act system of records notice, USPS 820.225 Federal Ballot Mail
United States Postal Service · 2026-07-17
The saved file is a PDF document of 0.2 MB. What follows is the text taken from it, which is the text the story quotes.
44880 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 136 / Friday, July 17, 2026 / Notices
Commission’s consideration concerning attorneys are appointed, no attorney- This Notice will be published in the
a negotiated service agreement. This client relationship is established. Federal Register.
notice informs the public of the filing, Section II also establishes comment Danielle LeFlore,
invites public comment, and takes other deadline(s) pertaining to each such
administrative steps. Legal Assistant.
request.
[FR Doc. 2026–14467 Filed 7–16–26; 8:45 am]
DATES: Comments are due: July 22,
The Commission invites comments on BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
2026.
whether the Postal Service’s request(s)
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified in Section II, if any, are
electronically via the Commission’s consistent with the policies of title 39. POSTAL SERVICE
Filing Online system at https:// Applicable statutory and regulatory
www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 Privacy Act of 1974; System of
comments electronically should contact U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR Records
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER part 3035, and 39 CFR part 3041.
INFORMATION CONTACT section by AGENCY: Postal Service.
Comment deadline(s) for each such
telephone for advice on filing ACTION: Notice of new systems of
request, if any, appear in Section II.
alternatives. records.
Section III identifies the docket
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUMMARY: The United States Postal
number(s) associated with each Postal
David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at Service (USPS) is proposing to create a
202–789–6820. Service request, if any, to add a
standardized distinct product to the new General Privacy Act System of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Records (SOR) to coincide with its
Competitive product list or to amend a
Table of Contents standardized distinct product, the title proposal to amend the Mailing
of each such request, the request’s Standards of the United States Postal
I. Introduction Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
acceptance date, and the authority cited
II. Public Proceeding(s) regarding the transmission of mail-in or
III. Summary Proceeding(s) by the Postal Service for each request.
absentee ballots for federal elections.
Standardized distinct products are See U.S. Postal Service, Proposed Rule:
I. Introduction negotiated service agreements that are Ballot Mail for Federal Elections, 91 FR
Pursuant to 39 CFR 3041.405, the variations of one or more Competitive 32,915 (June 2, 2026). The proposal to
Commission gives notice that the Postal products, and for which financial amend the DMM is the subject of active
Service filed request(s) for the models, minimum rates, and litigation, including two injunctions
Commission to consider matters related classification criteria have undergone that are currently being appealed. The
to Competitive negotiated service advance Commission review. See 39 Postal Service will not publish a final
agreement(s). The request(s) may CFR 3041.110(n); 39 CFR 3041.205(a). rule unless and until the government
propose the addition of a negotiated Such requests are reviewed in summary obtains relief from all relevant
service agreement from the Competitive proceedings pursuant to 39 CFR injunctions. In the event that the Postal
product list or the modification of an 3041.325(c)(2) and 39 CFR Service obtains such relief and
existing product currently appearing on 3041.505(f)(1). Pursuant to 39 CFR thereafter publishes a final rule that
the Competitive product list. 3041.405(c)–(d), the Commission does proceeds with the DMM amendments, it
The public portions of the Postal not appoint a Public Representative or intends this System of Record to take
Service’s request(s) can be accessed via request public comment in proceedings effect on the timeline set forth below.
the Commission’s website (http:// to review such requests. DATES: If the Postal Service issues a final
www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of rule to amend the Mailing Standards of
the Postal Service’s request(s), if any, II. Public Proceeding(s) the United States Postal Service,
can be accessed through compliance Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
1. Docket No(s).: K2026–166; Filing
with the requirements of 39 CFR regarding the transmission of mail-in or
Title: USPS Request Concerning
3011.301.1 absentee ballots for federal elections.
Section II identifies the docket Amendment One to Priority Mail &
See U.S. Postal Service, Proposed Rule:
number(s) associated with each Postal USPS Ground Advantage & Parcel Select
Ballot Mail for Federal Elections, 91 FR
Service request, if any, that will be Contract 9, with Material Filed Under
32,915 (June 2, 2026), this System of
reviewed in a public proceeding as Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: July 14, Record will become effective without
defined by 39 CFR 3010.101(p), the title 2026; Filing Authority: 39 CFR. further notice on the latest of (1) 30 days
of each such request, the request’s 3035.105 and 39 CFR 3041.505; Public from the publication date of this Notice,
acceptance date, and the authority cited Representative: Christopher Mohr; if no comments are received; (2) the
by the Postal Service for each request. Comments Due: July 22, 2026. publication date of the Postal Service’s
For each such request, the Commission responses to comments received (which
III. Summary Proceeding(s)
appoints an officer of the Commission to will under no circumstances be
represent the interests of the general 1. Docket No(s).: MC2026–305 and published prior to 30 days from the
public in the proceeding, pursuant to 39 K2026–301; Filing Title: USPS Request publication date of this Notice); or (3)
U.S.C. 505 and 39 CFR 3000.114 (Public to Add New Mid-Market Standardized the effective date of any final rule in
Representative). The Public Distinct Product, PM–GA Contract 1039, connection with that rulemaking. If the
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICE
Representative does not represent any and Notice of Filing Materials Under Postal Service does not issue any final
individual person, entity or particular rule in connection with that rulemaking,
Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: July 14,
point of view, and, when Commission then this System of Record will not take
2026; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642
and 3633, 39 CFR 3035.105, and 39 CFR effect.
1 See Docket No. RM2018–3, Order Adopting
3041.325. ADDRESSES: Comments may be
Final Rules Relating to Non-Public Information,
June 27, 2018, Attachment A at 19–22 (Order No. submitted via email to the Privacy and
4679). Records Management Office, United
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Jul 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 136 / Friday, July 17, 2026 / Notices 44881
States Postal Service Headquarters at thereof, authorized by the chief election CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
USPSPrivacyFedRegNotice@usps.gov. official to provide such information. 1. Mail in voter information: Name,
To facilitate public inspection, address, Unique IMb barcode numbers,
III. Description of the New or Modified
arrangements to view copies of any originating election office state.
System of Records
written comments received will be 2. Postal Service Ballot Portal Users:
made upon request. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(11), Name, email address, password,
interested persons are invited to submit username, phone number, position/title,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
relevant written data, views, arguments affiliated election jurisdiction, address
Privacy Office, 202–268–2000 or
or comments on this proposal. A report
USPSPrivacyFedRegNotice@usps.gov. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
of the proposed new SOR has been sent
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This to Congress and to the Office of State, or authorized designee,
notice is in accordance with the Privacy Management and Budget (OMB) for provided lists of individuals, addresses,
Act requirement that agencies publish their evaluation. The Postal Service and barcodes.
their systems of records in the Federal does not expect this new SOR to have
ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE
Register when there is a revision, any adverse effect on individual privacy SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND
change, or addition, or when the agency rights. The new SOR is provided below PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
establishes a new system of records in its entirety.
Standard routine uses 1. through 9.
(SOR). The Postal Service has
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER: Further, the following special routine
determined that the creation of a new
use will apply:
SOR would be necessary if it issues a USPS 820.225 Federal Ballot Mail. 1. For federal elections to the chief
final rule that is similar to the proposal
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
election official of each state; any
set forth in its June 2, 2026, notice of
authorized election official of that state
proposed rulemaking. See U.S. Postal None. or a political subdivision thereof who is
Service, Proposed Rule: Ballot Mail for
SYSTEM LOCATION: responsible for sending mail-in or
Federal Elections, 91 FR 32,915 (June 2,
absentee ballots to eligible voters of that
2026). USPS Headquarters, Supplier cloud state or jurisdiction; or an individual or
I. Background computing environment. entity that an election official has
SYSTEM MANAGER(S): authorized to send mail-in or absentee
On March 31, 2026, the President ballots by mail on the election official’s
issued Executive Order 14399, Ensuring Chief Customer and Marketing Officer behalf.
Citizenship Verification and Integrity in and Executive Vice President, United
Federal Elections (‘‘Order’’). Following States Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF
the issuance of the Order, the Postal SW, Washington, DC 20260. RECORDS:
Service issued a proposed rule that (if Chief Information Officer and Automated database, computer
finalized) would apply uniform Executive Vice President, United States storage media, digital files, and paper
standards for themailing of absentee Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, files.
ballots, which the Postal Service Washington, DC 20260.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF
understands will facilitate the faithful
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: RECORDS:
execution of federal law. See U.S. Postal
Service, Proposed Rule: Ballot Mail for 39 U.S.C. 401 and 404. Records are retrievable by personal
Federal Elections, 91 FR 32,915 (June 2, identifiers including first and last name,
2026). That rulemaking is ongoing, PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM: address, issuing state, and barcode.
subject to injunctions issued in cases 1. To help determine adherence to POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND
regarding the proposed rule. federal law and facilitate law DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
enforcement efforts. Records are retained for 5 years.
II. Rationale for Creation of a New
USPS Privacy Act Systems of Records 2. To receive a list of individuals to
whom a mail-in or absentee ballot is ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL
In conjunction with the proposed sent for a federal election, each SAFEGUARDS:
rule, which would amend the Domestic individual’s address, the unique Paper records, computers, and
Mail Manual, the Postal Service is also Intelligent Mail barcode printed on the computer storage media are located in
proposing to create a new Privacy Act outbound and return ballot envelopes controlled-access areas under
SOR to maintain a list of individuals, containing themail-in or absentee ballot supervision of program personnel.
each individual’s address, the unique that was sent to each individual, and the Access to the facility is limited to
Intelligent Mail barcodes printed on issuing state of such ballot provided by authorized personnel, who must be
each individual’s outbound and return a state’s chief election official, or an identified with a badge. The facility is
ballot envelope for a federal election, authorized designee. not open to the public. Access to
and the state or political subdivision 3. To provide relevant election records is limited to individuals whose
thereof that issued such ballot for officials access to a Postal Service official duties require such access.
inclusion on a state’s Mail-in and Federal Ballot Portal web page for Contractors and licensees are subject
Absentee Participation List. If the submitting lists described in purpose 2. to contract controls and unannounced
rulemaking results in a final rule and on-site audits and inspections.
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICE
this new SOR takes effect, the CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE Computers are protected by mechanical
SYSTEM:
information covered by this SOR would locks, card key systems, or other
be provided to the Postal Service by the Individuals receiving an absentee or physical access control methods.
chief election official of each state or mail-in ballot for federal elections The use of computer systems is
any individual or entity, such as a mail through the U.S. Mail. regulated with installed security
service provider or an election official of Individuals using the Postal Service software, computer logon
that state or a political subdivision Federal Ballot Portal. identifications, and operating system
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Jul 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1
44882 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 136 / Friday, July 17, 2026 / Notices
controls including access controls, RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD statement when the claimant, the
terminal and transaction logging, and claimant’s employer, or another source
file management software. Access is Proposed Collection; Comment indicates that the claimant has
controlled by logon ID and password. Request voluntarily left work.
Online data transmissions are protected In accordance with the requirement of Completion of Form UI–45 is required
by encryption. Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork to obtain or retain benefits. One
Reduction Act of 1995 which provides response is received from each
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: opportunity for public comment on new respondent. The RRB proposes the
or revised data collections, the Railroad following changes to Form UI–45:
Requests for access must be made in
accordance with the Notification Retirement Board (RRB) will publish • In Paperwork Reduction Act/
Procedure above and USPS Privacy Act periodic summaries of proposed data Privacy Act Notices, changed last
collections. sentence to ‘‘If you wish, send
regulations regarding access to records
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether comments regarding the accuracy of our
and verification of identity under 39 the proposed information collection is estimate, or any other aspect of this
CFR 266.5. necessary for the proper performance of form, including suggestions for reducing
the functions of the agency, including completion time, to: Railroad
CONTESTING RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
whether the information has practical Retirement Board, ATTN: Bureau of
See Notification Procedure and utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB’s Information Services/Policy &
Record Access Procedures. estimate of the burden of the collection Compliance, 844 N Rush Street,
of the information; (c) ways to enhance Chicago, IL 60611–1275.’’
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES: the quality, utility, and clarity of the • Below Paperwork Reduction Act/
information to be collected; and (d) Privacy Act Notices, changed to ‘‘Print
Individuals wanting to know if ways to minimize the burden related to
information about them is maintained in all answers in ink.’’
the collection of information on
this system of records must address • In Section 1.C., added new sentence
respondents, including the use of
inquiries to the system manager in ‘‘Include attempts you made to address
automated collection techniques or
writing. Inquiries should include name, issues or grievances with the employer
other forms of information technology.
address, email address and other 1. Title and purpose of information prior to leaving.’’
identifying information that confirms collection: Certification Regarding • In Section 3.A., changed to ‘‘Have
the requestor’s identity. Rights to Unemployment Benefits; OMB you applied for and/or claimed any state
3220–0079. unemployment benefits of
EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM: Under Section 4 of the Railroad unemployment benefits under any law
Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) other than the Railroad Unemployment
None. Insurance Act? If ‘‘Yes,’’ show the name,
(45 U.S.C. 354), an employee who leaves
work voluntarily is disqualified for address, and telephone number of the
HISTORY:
unemployment benefits unless the office/agency where you applied. If
None. employee left work for good cause and ‘‘No,’’ go to section 4.’’
is not qualified for unemployment • In Section 3.B, changed to ‘‘Have
Kevin Rayburn,
benefits under any other law. RRB Form you been denied any such benefits? If
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance. UI–45, Claimant’s Statement— ‘‘Yes,’’ attach a copy of the notice or
[FR Doc. 2026–14508 Filed 7–16–26; 8:45 am] Voluntary Leaving of Work, is used by decision from the unemployment office
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P the RRB to obtain the claimant’s at which you applied.’’
ESTIMATE OF ANNUAL RESPONDENT BURDEN
Annual Time Burden
Form No. responses (minutes) (hours)
UI–45 ........................................................................................................................................... 176 15 44
Total ...................................................................................................................................... 176 ........................ 44
2. Title and purpose of information The RRB considers some work benefit and supplemental annuity be
collection: Self-Employment and claimed as ‘‘self-employment’’ to deducted for earnings from the ‘‘LPE.’’
Substantial Service Questionnaire; OMB actually be employment for an The ‘‘LPE’’ is defined as the last
3220–0138. employer. Whether the RRB classifies a person, company, or institution with
Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement particular activity as self-employment or whom the employee or spouse applicant
Act (RRA) (45 U.S.C. 231a) provides for as work for an employer depends upon was employed concurrently with, or
the circumstances of each case. These after, the applicant’s last railroad
payment of annuities to qualified
circumstances are prescribed in 20 CFR employment and before their annuity
employees and their spouses. In order to
beginning date. If a spouse never
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICE
receive an age and service annuity, 216.
worked for a railroad, the LPE is the last
Section 2(e)(3) states that an applicant Under the 1988 amendments to the person for whom he or she worked.
must stop all railroad work and give up RRA, an applicant is no longer required The RRB utilizes Form AA–4, Self-
any rights to return to such work. to stop work for a ‘‘Last Pre-Retirement Employment and Substantial Service
However, applicants are not required to Nonrailroad Employer’’ (LPE). However, Questionnaire, to obtain information
stop nonrailroad work or self- Section 2(f)(6) of the RRA requires that needed to determine if the work the
employment. a portion of the employee’s Tier II applicant claims is self-employment is
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Jul 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1