Overview
- The clarification took effect December 24 and codifies that most machine‑applied postmarks reflect the date mail is first processed at a regional facility, not necessarily the drop‑off date.
- USPS says this is not a procedural change but a formal explanation tied to its network redesign and Regional Transportation Optimization, which can delay processing for communities far from regional hubs.
- To protect deadlines, USPS advises requesting a free manual postmark at a retail counter, mailing at least a week early, or using paid proof‑of‑mailing options; printing postage online does not guarantee the acceptance date.
- Election implications are significant in states that count ballots postmarked by Election Day, with local officials in California and Oregon urging earlier returns, and a Supreme Court case this term could curtail post‑Election Day grace periods.
- Time‑sensitive items such as IRS filings under the mailbox rule, property tax payments and other bills may be judged late if processed after the deadline, prompting warnings from officials including a Wisconsin county treasurer.