The Postal Service has approved new prices for mailing services, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 44 cents. The new prices will go into effect May 11, just days before the statewide Special Election on May 19.

However, vote-by-mail voters will have their ballots delivered prior to and after the increase.  Postal officials cannot refuse delivery of election ballots but having the correct postage prevents any inadvertent delays.

The statewide election was authorized by the State Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of a budget signed into law on Feb. 19. Voters will consider six ballot propositions.

The Orange County Registrar of Voters will begin mailing sample ballots after April 9 to Orange County's 1.6 million registered voters.

The Special Election will mean Californians will have voted in a statewide election every year but one since 2002.

For more information, visit: http://www.ocvote.com/election/09spec/09spec.htm.