Postal Service Warns: Important Mail May Not Be Postmarked Immediately

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently implemented a significant change that affects how postmarks are applied to mail. This modification emphasizes that a postmark does not necessarily indicate when the USPS first accepted the item. As a result, individuals relying on timely postmarks for ballots, tax filings, or bill payments must be more proactive in planning their mailing activities.

New USPS Rule and Its Implications

As of last week, the USPS clarified that most postmarks are applied at regional mail-processing hubs. Consequently, delays can occur, particularly for those living in rural areas far from these hubs. The USPS aims to provide transparency regarding what a postmark symbolizes without altering its existing postmarking practices.

Impact on Voting by Mail

The trend of voting by mail significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for approximately 30% of voter turnout in the 2024 election, although this is a drop from about 43% in 2020. Currently, 14 states, including Nevada, allow ballots mailed after Election Day, provided they are postmarked on or before that date, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Changes in Ballot Processing

In 2025, four states—Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, and Utah—removed their grace periods for counting ballots arriving post-Election Day. This raises concerns about how late ballots will be handled in the future, particularly with a Republican-led case being considered by the US Supreme Court regarding ballots arriving after Election Day.

State Response and Recommendations

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta has advised voters residing more than 50 miles from processing hubs to mail their ballots early, especially for a special election in November.
• Oregon, which pioneered the universal vote-by-mail system, has cautioned voters that ballots mailed after October 30 may not receive a timely postmark for the November 4 election.

The Postal Service recommends that voters send their completed ballots at least a week prior to when they are due to ensure timely postmarking. For those wishing to guarantee a postmark, visiting a Post Office retail counter for a manual postmark request is suggested. Customers can also choose higher-tier mail options, such as certified or registered mail, for an additional fee.

As these changes unfold, it is paramount for voters to stay informed about mailing timelines and practices to safeguard their voting rights effectively.