Story perspectives

USPS Rule Change Risks Mail-in Ballot Deadlines for Millions

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

United States Postal Service finalized a rule that postmarks may cause missed deadlines for mail-in ballots and legal documents.
Postmarks will be applied at regional facilities rather than at collection, delaying rural mail by at least one day and affecting 149 million Americans.
Louis DeJoy, the former U.S. Postmaster General, leads the reforms.
In 2025, several states eliminated grace periods for late ballots, raising concerns about more rejections.

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Story summary

United States Postal Service finalized a rule that postmarks may cause missed deadlines for mail-in ballots and legal documents.
Postmarks will be applied at regional facilities rather than at collection, delaying rural mail by at least one day and affecting 149 million Americans.
Louis DeJoy, the former U.S. Postmaster General, leads the reforms.
In 2025, several states eliminated grace periods for late ballots, raising concerns about more rejections.