Why mailing a ballot close to Election Day may get it rejected for a late postmark
The U.S. Postal Service is warning voters that recent operational changes may lead to late postmarks on mail-in ballots, potentially causing them to be rejected. Officials recommend using drop boxes or local election offices to ensure timely delivery.
Why it matters
This issue directly impacts the integrity and accessibility of the voting process during federal elections.
Relying on the U.S. Postal Service to return a mail-in ballot close to Election Day now comes with an additional risk for many voters — a late postmark that gets a vote rejected.
The risk stems from mailing system changes that began last year. And those changes have pushed some election officials to encourage voters to consider returning their ballots at their local election office or any available drop boxes instead.
The calls to avoid mailboxes also come as trust in the Postal Service delivering mail ballots on time has fallen , and after President Trump pushed to restrict voting by mail for the midterm elections but was blocked by the Supreme Court .
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