A typical mail-in ballot needs just a single forever stamp, assuming your envelope is under 1 ounce and no bigger than 11.5” x 6+⅛”. Make sure to measure and weigh your envelope or play it safe and add an extra $0.15 postage for a second ounce.

I’m voting remotely this year due to Covid-19 to protect my immunocomprised family members. I currently live in Plymouth, Massachusetts (“America’s Hometown”). In Plymouth, our ballots are 10.5″ long and 6″ wide. Initially I was convinced I’d need extra postage but this is under the limit for a regular letter.

Measure and weigh your envelope

Cities contract their own envelope makers so it’s best to play it safe and measure your envelope. If you don’t have a ruler, you can use a standard sheet of 8.5×11 computer paper to get a sense of the size of your envelope.

Most kitchen scales allow you to change the unit to an ounce. If you’re over an ounce, add $0.15 per each additional ounce. We put together this handy deep dive on how many stamps you’ll need.