Contest Rules and FAQs
Submitting your Ballot
Voting will begin at 12:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, and closes on Tuesday, September 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Ballots may be submitted online or through mail – no purchase is necessary to vote:
Online: Go to www.stampsforever.com/vote and follow the instructions to submit your ballot.
By Mail: Complete the paper ballot, print it out, and mail it to the following address:
Attn: Stamp Encore
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW #3300
Washington, DC 20260
Mail-in ballots must bear a postmark dated on or before September 30, 2025. Only one (1) vote per mail-in ballot will be counted. Multiple selections on a single mail-in ballot will render the ballot invalid. To submit additional votes via mail, separate ballots must be mailed individually.
Additional Rules
There is no limit to the number of mail-in or online ballots that may be submitted per person. However, ballots submitted by means of a bot, script, macro, or other automated methods, whether online or by mail, are subject to disqualification at the discretion of USPS. USPS reserves the right to bar individuals from participating in the vote and/or to cancel their ballots if they are found or suspected of violating these rules or otherwise attempting to interfere with the fair administration of the vote.
Holders of rights related to the subject matter contained on a stamp appearing on the ballot may withdraw from participation, such that USPS would be unable to reissue the stamp. In that event, or for any other reason, USPS may in its discretion remove stamps from the ballot at any time during or after voting has closed; votes for stamps that have been removed from consideration will be canceled. All final balloting decisions are reserved to USPS. We plan to announce the winning stamp pane during the Boston 2026 World Expo in May 2026. The Stamp Encore Contest is conducted as a public poll; it is not a “skills contest” or “sweepstakes” as defined in the Domestic Mail Manual or related statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stamp Encore?
Stamp Encore is an exciting opportunity for the public to vote from 25 previously issued stamp panes. We plan to announce the winning stamp pane during the Boston 2026 World Expo in May 2026!
When can I vote?
Voting will begin July 23, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025.
How can I vote?
You can vote in two ways:
Online: Visit stampsforever.com/vote and select your favorite stamp pane.
By Mail: Mail your vote using the printed ballot available to download at stampsforever.com/vote
Can I vote more than once?
Absolutely! You can vote to your heart's desire. Just make sure to follow our balloting rules, as detailed above.
I don't see my favorite stamp included in the list to vote. Can I suggest my favorite stamp I would like to see re-printed as part of the contest?
Unfortunately, no. However, if you have a favorite stamp you would have liked to have seen, let us know by searching for your favorite stamp at the bottom of the page at stampsforever.com/vote. We would love to hear from you!
Where can I view the 25 stamp pane options?
All eligible stamp designs are available on the voting page at stampsforever.com/vote.
What happens after voting ends?
Once the voting period ends on September 30, 2025, all valid ballots will be counted. We plan to officially announce the winning stamp design at the Boston 2026 World Expo.
Where can I purchase the winning stamp?
We plan to make the winning stamp available for purchase through the Postal Store at usps.com/store and Post Offices nationwide beginning in May 2026.
Who can vote?
It is an open invitation! There is no purchase necessary to vote, and you do not need to be a stamp collector or USPS customer to participate.
How were the stamps to be voted on selected?
USPS chose from a pool of stamps issued from the past, including some that were among our bestsellers and most popular. A few stamps are even featured in the new Putting a Stamp on the American Experience prestige booklet, the fourth prestige booklet issued by USPS.
This is so exciting! Can I share the contest with my friends?
Yes, you can share the contest with your friends!
I have an idea for a stamp. How can I submit my idea?
You can submit your idea by writing to us at:
Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501
Visit about.usps.com/who/csac/#overview to learn more about the stamp selection process.