The clock is ticking for voters planning to cast their ballot by mail! The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is issuing a critical warning: mail your ballots today to ensure they are counted.
While the USPS has implemented ‘extraordinary measures’ to handle the anticipated surge in mail-in voting, the agency is emphasizing the importance of early mailing. This message is particularly crucial as Election Day rapidly approaches.
“If you choose to vote by mail, please mail early as every day counts,” the USPS stated in a recent press release. The agency recommends mailing ballots at least a week before the election office needs to receive them. To be safe, the USPS strongly suggests mailing ballots by this Tuesday, October 29th, if Election Day is the deadline for receipt.
It’s important to note that a majority of U.S. states currently do not accept mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. However, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have implemented varying grace periods to accommodate possible postal delays.
Alaska offers a 10-day window for ballots to arrive if postmarked by Election Day, while Texas extends the deadline by a single day.
Among these states with grace periods is the critical battleground state of Nevada, where ballots received up to four days after Election Day but postmarked by November 5th are still counted. Ballots with unclear postmarks that arrive up to the third day after Election Day are also counted in Nevada.
Several other crucial battleground states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia, adhere to a strict Election Day deadline for mail-in ballots.
The USPS is actively working to ensure timely delivery of Election Mail. In addition to its standard procedures, the agency has implemented additional measures, including:
*
Increased delivery and pick-up schedules
: This ensures ballots are collected and processed quickly.*
Specialized sort plans
: These plans are designed to expedite the movement of ballots through the postal system.*
Local handling and transportation of ballots
: This provides extra care and attention to ensure ballots reach their destinations without delay.These measures, which began last week, underscore the USPS’s commitment to delivering ballots safely and promptly.
Voters are encouraged to check their state’s specific guidelines regarding mail-in ballot deadlines and requirements. Early action is essential to ensure your vote is counted. Don’t wait, mail your ballot today!
