Recent U.S. Postal Service changes are prompting warnings for mail-in voters in California ahead of a special election on congressional redistricting. Officials urge returning ballots early to ensure timely postmarks. The adjustments stem from USPS reorganization efforts that delay mail processing in some areas.
The U.S. Postal Service has proposed revisions to its mailing standards, stating that the postmark date "does not inherently or necessarily align" with the date mail is first accepted by a letter carrier or dropped off at a post office or collection box. "In other words, the date on a machine-applied postmark may reflect the date on which the mailpiece was first accepted by the Postal Service, but that is not definitively the case," USPS noted in a recent Federal Register notice.
These changes arise from USPS's ongoing reorganization plan, which reduces mail pickups in areas more than 50 miles from new regional processing and distribution centers. As a result, first-class mail in those regions may not be processed until the day after collection. USPS claims this approach saves money, reduces carbon emissions, and improves operations amid declining first-class mail volume compared to decades ago.
In California, a special election on November 4 features a closely watched ballot proposition on congressional redistricting. State officials are advising mail-in voters to return ballots before Election Day to avoid postmark delays. California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned during a press conference this month: "If you want your vote to count, which I assume you do because you're putting it in the mail, don't put it in the mail on Election Day" if more than 50 miles from a USPS regional facility. He suggested alternatives like official vote centers or drop boxes.
To guarantee a same-day postmark, USPS recommends visiting a post office for a free manual postmark. USPS spokesperson Cathy Koeppen Purcell stated: "If a customer... wants to ensure that their ballot or other mailpiece receives a postmark containing a date that aligns with the date it is mailed, the customer should visit a Postal Service retail location and request a manual postmark at the counter in person. It will be provided free of charge."
However, this poses challenges for rural residents and people with disabilities who lack easy access to post offices. The issue extends beyond voting, affecting tax filings and legal documents near deadlines, and coincides with states tightening absentee ballot rules, such as earlier deadlines and excluding late-arriving ballots postmarked on time.