The United States Postal Service (USPS) is set to implement changes in 2026, including adjustments to the postmark process. For years, postmarks have served as legal proof of meeting deadlines, such as submitting ballots by election day.
USPS announced that the postmark will now reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated sorting machine, which may be several days after it is dropped off.
This change raises questions about the impact on time-sensitive mail like ballots, as it is unclear how it will affect their timely consideration.
