Overview
- The clarification took effect Dec. 24 and means items may not receive a postmark on the day they are handed to the Postal Service.
- In 14 states and Washington, D.C., ballots mailed by Election Day could be rejected if they receive a postmark dated after Election Day.
- USPS says this is a policy explanation rather than a procedural change, urges voters to mail at least a week early, and offers free manual postmarks at post offices.
- Time‑sensitive filings such as tax returns, bill payments, legal documents, and donations that rely on postmarks could be recorded late, prompting officials to advise earlier mailing or certified/registered services.
- A pending U.S. Supreme Court case on ballot grace periods could change or eliminate postmark‑based acceptance rules later this year.