A number of registered voters in the Charlottesville area (and presumably elsewhere) got a very official looking mailing piece recently. Here's the front of the envelope:

The stamp survived uncanceled, and is for a non-profit organization. The US Postal Service permits the State Committee of a political party to mail as a non-profit, regardless of tax status. The source would seem to be that Absentee Processing Center noted in the upper left. (The Virginia State Board of Elections has no Absentee Processing Center as such). The actual return address is on the flap, on the other side. Here it is:

Can you read it? It says, "Republican Party of Virginia, 115 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219."

Inside there is indeed an absentee ballot application, with a return envelope addressed to the appropriate Registrar. There is also a boilerplate campaign letter from Bob McDonnell (the Republican candidate for governor this year) with the curious designation "Governor" -- you be the judge

It just seems that every aspect of this mailing piece is quite polished, and intended to deceive, in order to get people to open and read it. And, if convinced, to apply for an absentee ballot and cast it for McDonnell. (Dave Sagarin, September 30, 2009)