Washington officials report 32% surge in rejected mail-in ballots

Washington state officials have reported a 32% increase in rejected mail-in ballots due to late postmarks during the recent primary election. According to data released by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, approximately 20,267 ballots were uncounted because they arrived too late or lacked timely postmarks, compared to 16,131 in the 2024 primary.

The surge in uncounted votes occurred despite an overall decrease in voter turnout. Officials attributed the issue to U.S. Postal Service delays, noting that the agency may not postmark mail on the day it is received due to reduced service and distant processing centers. A rule finalized by the Postal Service last year clarified that a postmark date does not necessarily align with the date the mailpiece was first accepted.

Rural counties were disproportionately affected. In Mason and Stevens counties, the rate of late ballots more than tripled, while counties such as Lewis, Pend Oreille, Franklin, Okanogan, and Yakima also saw significant increases. In contrast, urban areas reported fewer rejected ballots. Officials are urging voters to use ballot drop boxes or mail their ballots at least one week before election day to ensure they are counted in upcoming elections.