USPS service changes linked to increased mail-in ballot rejections

A ProPublica analysis indicates that mail-in ballot rejection rates have surged in rural areas of Oregon, North Carolina, Washington, California, and Ohio due to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operational changes. In several states, the number of ballots arriving too late to be counted has significantly increased compared to the 2022 midterm elections.

The delays are attributed to the USPS consolidating first-class mail processing at large regional hubs rather than smaller local plants. Additionally, a reduction in mail pickups from post offices located far from these hubs has increased delivery times. These changes have also impacted postmarking, as stamps are often not applied until mail reaches a regional center.

In eastern Washington, nearly 2,000 ballots arrived late in recent primaries, a sharp rise from approximately 600 in 2022. While USPS officials stated that extraordinary measures will be implemented to prevent similar delays during the November general election, election officials and experts have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the impact on rural voters.