The United States Postal Service (USPS) has enacted new rules regarding postmarks, which may significantly affect mail-in ballots, particularly in rural areas. This change emphasizes the timing of mail processing and could lead to logistical challenges for voters.
Changes to Postmark Rules
In September, the USPS proposed adjustments to clarify that postmarks—time stamps used to verify when mail is sent—will now be applied at regional processing facilities rather than at local post offices. This modification is a direct result of cost-cutting measures aimed at increasing efficiency.
Impact on Rural Mail Delivery
The elimination of evening mail pickups from post offices located over 50 miles from processing facilities primarily affects rural areas. As a result, mail originating in these regions will now be postmarked and delivered at least one day later than in the past.
- Mail sent close to election deadlines may arrive too late to be counted.
- This is particularly concerning for voters in states offering grace periods for late ballots.
Current Mailing Statistics
Last year, nearly 104,000 mail-in ballots were rejected due to late arrivals. While Democrats predominantly utilize mail-in voting, it remains popular in conservative rural areas as well.
The newly implemented schedule will impact approximately 24,000 of the 33,700 post offices in the U.S., affecting around 149 million Americans across various regions. Post offices within a 50-mile radius of processing facilities will continue evening pickups to avoid delays.
Legal and Political Implications
The move is part of reforms orchestrated by former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in 2021, a figure known for his controversial stance on mail-in voting. Former President Donald Trump has consistently criticized the practice, attributing his electoral losses to it without evidence.
Grace periods for late mail-in ballots vary by state, with 14 states, Washington D.C., and other territories allowing some leeway for ballots postmarked by Election Day. However, states like Kansas, North Dakota, Utah, and Ohio have done away with these grace periods. A notable case challenging Mississippi’s grace period is set for review by the Supreme Court, which could reshape the landscape for mail-in voting.
