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USPS Rule Changes Spur 20,267 Mail Ballot Rejections in Washington

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Postal Service rule changes led to mail-in ballots being rejected for late postmarks in Washington and Oregon.
Washington officials reported 20,267 ballots rejected in the August primary, a 32% increase.
Oregon recorded 7,314 rejected mail ballots in the May primary, a 13% rejection rate up from 9.5%.
Auditor Lori Larsen said 547 ballots with late postmarks arrived on August 7, three days after the primary.

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Story summary

U.S. Postal Service rule changes led to mail-in ballots being rejected for late postmarks in Washington and Oregon.
Washington officials reported 20,267 ballots rejected in the August primary, a 32% increase.
Oregon recorded 7,314 rejected mail ballots in the May primary, a 13% rejection rate up from 9.5%.
Auditor Lori Larsen said 547 ballots with late postmarks arrived on August 7, three days after the primary.