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New Postmarking Guidance: Ballots & Election Mail

Statements

This linked resource explains recent USPS clarifications about election mail postmarking and what they mean for vote-by-mail voters.

While USPS policies for handling ballots have not changed, postmarks may not always reflect the exact date a ballot was received due to mail processing delays.

We encourage voters, especially voters with disabilities, to:

 • Plan ahead

 • Understand their state’s voting rules and options

 • Return election mail as early as possible to ensure their ballot is counted

Here’s our fact sheet explaining the updated guidance:

NCAV Postmarking Guide

These helpful graphics were shared on our social media to further explain the Postmarking guidance:

Title slide reading ‘Mail In Ballots: What Voters Need to Know. Recent changes at the US Postal Service make timing much more important this year. This is especially true of voters with disabilities for a few reasons.” It also features a blue “VOTE” sticker icon.  

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Title slide reading ‘Mail In Ballots: What Voters Need to Know. Recent changes at the US Postal Service make timing much more important this year. This is especially true of voters with disabilities for a few reasons.” It also features a blue “VOTE” sticker icon.  
This image reads: “USPS recently updated their postmarking guidance. This doesn’t change how ballots are mailed, but it does mean postmarking may not always happen the exact day USPS gets your ballot. When it comes to submitting your ballot, we are encouraging folks to give yourself as much time as possible prior to state deadlines with upcoming primaries and the midterm elections.”

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: This image reads: “USPS recently updated their postmarking guidance. This doesn’t change how ballots are mailed, but it does mean postmarking may not always happen the exact day USPS gets your ballot. When it comes to submitting your ballot, we are encouraging folks to give yourself as much time as possible prior to state deadlines with upcoming primaries and the midterm elections.” 
This image reads: “What DIDN’T Change? Ballots are still treated as First-Class Mail. USPS still tries to postmark every ballot as soon as possible. Your vote still cunts when you follow your state’s guidance.” An image of a letter is also present.

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: This image reads: “What DIDN’T Change? Ballots are still treated as First-Class Mail. USPS still tries to postmark every ballot as soon as possible. Your vote still cunts when you follow your state’s guidance.” An image of a letter is also present. 
This image reads: “Why does this matter? Mail may take longer in some places. Because USPS has combined some mail processing centers, postmarks might show up later than expected, even if you mailed your ballot on time.” An image of a clock is also present.

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: This image reads: “Why does this matter? Mail may take longer in some places. Because USPS has combined some mail processing centers, postmarks might show up later than expected, even if you mailed your ballot on time.” An image of a clock is also present. 
This image reads: “Don’t wait. Plan ahead. USPS recommends mailing ballots at least 7 days before the postmarking deadline.” An image of a public USPS mailbox is also present.

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: This image reads: “Don’t wait. Plan ahead. USPS recommends mailing ballots at least 7 days before the postmarking deadline.” An image of a public USPS mailbox is also present. 
This image reads: “Know your state’s rules. Every state is different. Does your ballot need to be received by Election Day, or just postmarked by Election Day? How many days after the election can it arrive and still be counted?” An image depicting a map of the US is present.

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: This image reads: “Know your state’s rules. Every state is different. Does your ballot need to be received by Election Day, or just postmarked by Election Day? How many days after the election can it arrive and still be counted?” An image depicting a map of the US is present. 
“Plan voting ahead tips: If possible, bring your ballot inside a post office and ask for it to be postmarked while you’re there. Avoid blue mailboxes unless you have no other options. If you’re traveling, look into early or in-person absentee voting. Plan ahead if you need a witness or notary, a new copy of an ID, help filling out your ballot, or transportation to a drop-off location.”

ALT TEXT/IMAGE DESCRIPTION: “Plan voting ahead tips: If possible, bring your ballot inside a post office and ask for it to be postmarked while you’re there. Avoid blue mailboxes unless you have no other options. If you’re traveling, look into early or in-person absentee voting. Plan ahead if you need a witness or notary, a new copy of an ID, help filling out your ballot, or transportation to a drop-off location.”