USPS Changes Put Mail-in Ballots at Risk: Return Early to Ensure Your Vote Counts

California state officials are urging mail-in voters for a special election on congressional redistricting to return their ballots before Election Day to help ensure their ballots get postmarked by the deadline. The move comes in response to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, which have forced people who rely on postmarks when voting, filing taxes, or mailing legal documents to be extra careful when cutting it close to deadlines. According to the U.S. Postal Service, postmarks include the dates that USPS stamps on envelopes, and those are often used to determine whether a piece of first-class mail was sent on time. However, the Postal Service has proposed revising its mailing standards to say that postmark date "does not inherently or necessarily align" with the date that a mail piece was first accepted by a letter carrier or dropped off at a post office or collection box. This change suggests that the date on a machine-applied postmark may reflect the date on which the mailpiece was processed, rather than the date it was initially accepted. California state officials are taking a cautious approach, advising voters to return their ballots early to avoid any potential issues with postmarking. "We want to make sure that every vote is counted, and we're taking steps to ensure that our voters have the information they need to cast their ballots safely and securely," said a spokesperson for the California Secretary of State's office. The proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service's mailing standards have sparked concerns among voters and advocacy groups, who argue that the revisions could lead to confusion and disenfranchisement. "This change could have serious consequences for voters who are relying on postmarks to ensure that their ballots are counted," said a representative from the League of Women Voters. "We urge the Postal Service to reconsider this proposal and prioritize the integrity of the voting process." The U.S. Postal Service has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, including a shift towards more efficient processing methods and a reduction in staff. While these changes aim to improve the efficiency of the mail system, they have also raised concerns about the potential impact on voters and other users of the postal service. In response to the proposed changes, the California Secretary of State's office has launched a public awareness campaign to educate voters about the potential risks and consequences of relying on postmarks. The campaign includes social media outreach, mailers, and in-person education sessions to help voters understand the importance of returning their ballots early. The proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service's mailing standards are currently under review, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, California state officials are urging voters to exercise caution and return their ballots as early as possible to ensure that their votes are counted.