Overview
- The Postal Service’s rule, effective Dec. 24, states a postmark may reflect when mail is first processed at a facility rather than when USPS first took possession.
- USPS says the update codifies existing practice and advises customers to request a manual postmark at retail counters or use certified or registered mail, while recommending earlier mailing for deadlines.
- Under the Regional Transportation Optimization reorganization, processing is concentrated in about 60 hubs with fewer daily pickups, and Brookings reports most post offices are now more than 50 miles from a processing center and many are 100 miles or more.
- Jurisdictions that count ballots received after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day—14 states plus D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—face higher rejection risk from delayed postmarks, prompting guidance from officials in places like Oregon and California.
- Oregon officials report thousands of ballots were previously rejected for late postmarks and the state is urging voters to mail a week early or use drop boxes, while USPS says it will continue extraordinary hand-postmarking of general-election ballots at local sites.