Ballot Rejections for Late Postmarks Rose in Washington, Oregon After Postal Service Changes

Why it matters locally: While North Carolina uses a different voting system, issues with the U.S. Postal Service's ballot handling could highlight potential concerns for mail-in absentee voting processes in the state, which have seen increased use in recent elections.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington and Oregon have experienced a substantial increase in ballots rejected because of late postmarks. Data released recently highlights this trend in the vote-by-mail states following recent operational adjustments within the U.S. Postal Service. Electoral officials in both states have noted the rise in undelivered ballots. This development prompts questions regarding the potential impact on future elections, including the midterm elections scheduled for this fall. Historically, Washington and Oregon have high rates of mail-in voting. Voters in these states frequently rely on the postal service for ballot delivery. The new figures show a divergence from previous election cycles regarding ballot processing timelines.