Rising Late Mail Ballot Rejections Threaten Midterm Turnout

Data compiled by The New York Times show that late-arriving mail ballots rejected for missing state deadlines have climbed sharply in the dozen states it examined. In Wisconsin’s spring primary, about 5,000 ballots were tossed—roughly 78 percent of all rejected votes—up from 2,300 (?47 percent) in the 2023 primary. Michigan’s primary earlier this year saw more than 10,000 late ballots rejected, nearly double the 2024 figure. Washington recorded an increase from roughly 16,000 to over 20,000 late rejections, while the state’s total rise between 2024 and 2026 is about 4,000. The pattern reflects a broader uptick across at least twelve states that host pivotal House, Senate, gubernatorial and secretary-of-state contests.

New York Times

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has operated at a fiscal loss for nearly a decade, prompting cost-cutting measures such as altered post-marking processes and workforce reductions. President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the USPS to restrict mail-in voting and to deliver ballots only to voters deemed eligible. Roughly two dozen states have sued over the order, arguing it could be used to suppress turnout. Federal judges have blocked the rule, warning it may disenfranchise voters, and the administration is appealing.

The IndependentNew York Times

In a statement to The New York Times, the USPS refuted claims of systemic slowdown, noting that more than 95 percent of mail-in ballots arrived on time in recent elections. The agency advised voters to “mail early” to mitigate any timing issues. Republican election official Ricky Hatch (Utah) echoed this guidance, emphasizing early mailing to ensure counting. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold reported a 78 percent increase in drop-box availability, while Democratic Senator Michael Bennett assured Colorado voters that their mail-in ballots will arrive in time for the midterms.

The IndependentNew York Times

Democratic lawmakers and voting-advocacy organizations have mobilized to block the Trump administration’s changes, citing the risk of disenfranchisement. Judges who have halted the executive order warned that limiting ballot delivery could suppress voter participation, especially in closely contested races.

The Independent

• “We’ve definitely morphed over time from going from ‘Hey, get your ballot in before the deadline’ to ‘Mail your ballot at least a week early, if you want to have it counted,’” — Ricky Hatch, a Republican election official in Utah — Ricky Hatch, Republican election official, Utah

The Independent