Why mailing a ballot close to Election Day may get it rejected for a late postmark
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By Hansi Lo Wang

Friday, October 9, 2026 • 5:00 AM EDT

Relying on the U.S. Postal Service to return a mail-in ballot close to Election Day now comes with an additional risk for many voters — a late postmark that gets a vote rejected.

The risk stems from mailing system changes that began last year. And those changes have pushed some election officials to encourage voters to consider returning their ballots at their local election office or any available drop boxes instead.

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