Overview
- A final rule effective Dec. 24 states a postmark may reflect when mail is first processed at a USPS facility rather than when it was deposited.
- USPS describes the change as a clarification and advises customers to mail earlier and request free manual postmarks at post office counters.
- In about 14 states and Washington, D.C., ballots mailed by Election Day risk rejection if they are postmarked after Election Day under grace-period rules.
- Officials are urging use of certified or registered mail or counter-printed receipts to document mailing dates for ballots, tax filings and bill payments.
- The clarification arrives as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to consider a case on ballot grace periods that could further affect how late-arriving ballots are counted.