USPS Postmark Rule Changes Spark Concerns Over Midterm Elections Integrity
The U.S. Postal Service's recent rule change on postmarks could have significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections, particularly in states that rely heavily on mail-in ballots. The change, intended to clarify what constitutes a postmark, has sparked concerns among election administrators and advocates about potential chaos at polling stations.
Under current rules, 14 states allow mail-in ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, regardless of when the USPS receives them. However, the new rule suggests that pieces of mail may not be considered postmarked until they are processed in a facility, which could lead to delays and confusion.
In some states, such as Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon, elections are conducted entirely or predominantly by mail, but officials are still grappling with how the new rule will affect their processes. "The burden on the states that have been relying on postmarks is going to be voter education," said Elizabeth Parmelee, a scholar of democracy at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Parmelee explained that in Colorado, voters receive ballots early October and can return them by mail or in person. However, with the new rule, officials are concerned about how many ballots may not be postmarked on time, potentially affecting vote counts. "You need to go into the post office and stand there and watch the personnel marking it," she said.
Jonathan Katz, a fellow in governance studies at Brookings Institution, expressed similar concerns about the impact of the new rule on election administrators, who are already under pressure to ensure the integrity of elections. "When you do these things without public education, it has an impact," he said.
The change is also seen as a potential blow to mail-in voting, which enjoys broad support from Americans. A Pew Research survey found that 58% of Americans support allowing voters to vote by mail for any reason. However, supporters have warned that the new rule could disproportionately affect rural areas and overseas voters, who are more likely to be impacted by delays.
As the midterm elections approach, concerns about the postmark rule's impact on election integrity remain. Officials in states like California and Oregon have noted that the change will further strain their processes, which already face challenges from the USPS.
The rule changes come as the country is still grappling with issues related to mail-in voting and election security. The Supreme Court is set to hear a major case on whether states can count ballots postmarked before but received after Election Day, which has already led to changes in state laws.
The U.S. Postal Service's recent rule change on postmarks could have significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections, particularly in states that rely heavily on mail-in ballots. The change, intended to clarify what constitutes a postmark, has sparked concerns among election administrators and advocates about potential chaos at polling stations.
Under current rules, 14 states allow mail-in ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, regardless of when the USPS receives them. However, the new rule suggests that pieces of mail may not be considered postmarked until they are processed in a facility, which could lead to delays and confusion.
In some states, such as Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon, elections are conducted entirely or predominantly by mail, but officials are still grappling with how the new rule will affect their processes. "The burden on the states that have been relying on postmarks is going to be voter education," said Elizabeth Parmelee, a scholar of democracy at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Parmelee explained that in Colorado, voters receive ballots early October and can return them by mail or in person. However, with the new rule, officials are concerned about how many ballots may not be postmarked on time, potentially affecting vote counts. "You need to go into the post office and stand there and watch the personnel marking it," she said.
Jonathan Katz, a fellow in governance studies at Brookings Institution, expressed similar concerns about the impact of the new rule on election administrators, who are already under pressure to ensure the integrity of elections. "When you do these things without public education, it has an impact," he said.
The change is also seen as a potential blow to mail-in voting, which enjoys broad support from Americans. A Pew Research survey found that 58% of Americans support allowing voters to vote by mail for any reason. However, supporters have warned that the new rule could disproportionately affect rural areas and overseas voters, who are more likely to be impacted by delays.
As the midterm elections approach, concerns about the postmark rule's impact on election integrity remain. Officials in states like California and Oregon have noted that the change will further strain their processes, which already face challenges from the USPS.
The rule changes come as the country is still grappling with issues related to mail-in voting and election security. The Supreme Court is set to hear a major case on whether states can count ballots postmarked before but received after Election Day, which has already led to changes in state laws.
just heard about the USPS rule change and I'm getting a bad feeling about it... seems like this could mess up the mail-in voting process in some states big time - especially for rural areas where postal services might be slower 
and overseas voters who are already at a disadvantage. I don't think they should have changed the rules now, with elections just around the corner... how's voter education going to help when people are stressing about getting their ballots postmarked on time? 
! I mean, who thought it was a good idea to make mail-in voting more complicated? It's gonna cause so much chaos and delays on Election Day, especially for rural areas where access to postal services might be limited. And what about overseas voters who rely on mail-in ballots? This new rule is just another way to disenfranchise them 
and btw why do states even need to rely on postmarks in the first place? can't we just have a more efficient system? 
. I've seen some of these polling stations in CO and NV where they're already having issues with voter education... this rule change is just gonna make things more complicated for people who need to cast their ballots.
, 58% of folks are all about it. So I hope these officials in CA and OR can get a handle on how this new rule affects them before the midterm elections roll around 
Mail-in ballots might be all messed up, especially for rural areas or people overseas who rely on mail. The states that already do a lot of mail-in voting, like Colorado and Oregon, are already dealing with enough stress 
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I'm getting worried about how this new rule could mess up our elections 
Colorado and Oregon, like they mentioned, already got systems in place for early voting and return-by-mail... what if voters don't know how to use their new postmark rule 
Rural areas might get hit the hardest with these delays 
and overseas voters will be totally lost 
I mean, when you gotta stand in line at the post office to get your ballot marked... not exactly voter-friendly 
How are we supposed to trust that all our votes are counted accurately now? 
Its gonna cause so much more problems than its worth especially with mail-in voting. Like Elizabeth said, voter education is key here and the states are already struggling. And what about people who arent even using mail-in ballots? It seems like theyre trying to create chaos and mess up the whole system for no reason 
. The USPS should just stick to their original rule if it works for them, why fix something thats not broke 
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. But seriously, can't we all just get along and figure out a system that works for everyone? I mean, 58% of Americans support mail-in voting - that's like me supporting avocado toast 100%, which is basically everything 
. It's not rocket science, folks! Just make sure the mail gets there on time and we're good to go 
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what if rural areas or overseas voters get screwed by these delays 
... states like Colorado and Nevada are already on edge, this change is just gonna add more stress to their processes 
. It just doesn't seem fair to voters who want to use the mail-in option. What if they don't get their ballot back in time because of delays? It's like, can't we just have clear rules so everyone knows what's going on? 
need 2 educate voters rn 
. I mean, 14 states are still counting mail-in ballots with just a postmark, and now it's like, "wait, does that even count?" 
? And now they're dealing with this new rule on top of it? It's like trying to solve a puzzle while being attacked by a swarm of bees 
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. Rural areas and overseas voters, who already face some challenges, might take a hit from these delays 
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