HR-4553 : Still Just a Bill

The "Prohibiting U.S. Postmark Abuse Act" (H.R. 4553) amends Title 18 of the United States Code to address issues related to the forgery or misuse of postmarking stamps on mailed ballots. Key provisions include:

• Increases penalties for forging or counterfeiting postmarking stamps or their impressions.
• Imposes a higher penalty (up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine) if a forged or counterfeited postmarking stamp is used on a mailed ballot for any Federal, State, or local election.
• Establishes penalties for applying a genuine postmark to a mailed ballot with the intent to falsify the date, specifically if the date on the postmark does not match the actual date it was applied.

In essence, this bill aims to deter the manipulation of mailed ballots through the misuse of postmarking stamps, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the election process.