# Mail-in ballot rejection issues in Washington and Oregon

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mail-in-ballot-rejection-issues-in-washington-and-oregon
> Updated: 2026-09-08T17:59:08.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Election officials in Washington and Oregon have reported a significant increase in rejected mail-in ballots caused by late postmarks. In Washington, officials noted a 32% surge in uncounted ballots during the recent primary, with approximately 20,267 votes rejected due to late arrival or missing timely postmarks. This issue disproportionately affected rural counties, such as Mason and Stevens, where rejection rates more than tripled.

Officials attribute these delays to U.S. Postal Service operational changes, specifically the consolidation of operations into regional hubs to reduce costs. These changes can result in postmarks not aligning with the date mail is received. 

In response, state leaders are pursuing measures to improve ballot accessibility. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is seeking emergency funding for 20 new ballot drop boxes, while Washington’s secretary of state has allocated approximately $300,000 to reimburse counties for the addition of 21 drop boxes.

## Claims

- The number of ballots rejected for late postmarks has increased in Washington and Oregon. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The U.S. Postal Service has been consolidating operations into regional hubs to save billions of dollars. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is requesting emergency funding for 20 new ballot drop boxes. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Washington’s secretary of state spent approximately $300,000 to reimburse counties for 21 additional drop boxes. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Washington and Oregon see surge in rejected ballots due to late postmarks

Ballots rejected for late postmarks have surged in Washington and Oregon following U.S. Postal Service operational changes, prompting officials to seek more ballot drop boxes.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-and-oregon-see-surge-in-rejected-ballots-due-to-late-postmarks

### 2026-09-02: Washington officials report 32% surge in rejected mail-in ballots

Washington officials report a 32% rise in rejected mail-in ballots due to late postmarks, with rural counties facing the highest impact from U.S. Postal Service delays.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-officials-report-32-surge-in-rejected-mail-in-ballots

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Cite as: Mail-in ballot rejection issues in Washington and Oregon. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mail-in-ballot-rejection-issues-in-washington-and-oregon