From Salon · Dion Nissenbaum, Votebeat · · 1m 30s
Mail early: Election officials urge ballots in pronto amid Postal Service slowdowns
Election officials warn voters to send ballots early to avoid rejection due to Postal Service delays.
In brief
Election officials warn voters to send ballots early to avoid rejection due to Postal Service delays. Election officials urge voters to mail ballots a week before Election Day to prevent rejection from Postal Service delays. Originally reported by Salon.
Postal Service challenges
The U.S. Postal Service faces financial issues and slower mail delivery despite decades of losses.
Postal Service financial issues
The Postal Service has lost $118 billion since 2007 and risks running out of cash early next year.
Regional Transportation Optimization plan
The Postal Service's Regional Transportation Optimization plan reduced pickup times at 15,000 post offices more than 50 miles from regional centers.
Oregon ballot rejection rates
Oregon saw a 13% ballot rejection rate in May's primary due to improper postmarking, up from 9.5% in 2024.
Oregon drop box expansion
Oregon added 20 new ballot drop boxes for November to help rural voters who face long travel times.
Tobias Read's warning
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read urges voters to send ballots a week before Election Day to avoid rejection.
“We can’t count on it, said Read, referring to the Postal Service. It might work, but I don’t want anyone to be taking a chance with their ballot”
Steve Hobbs' warning
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs urges voters to send ballots 10 days before deadlines to prevent rejection.
“If you’re going to mail, you better do it right away, he said. Don’t wait”
Postal Service's mail early campaign
The Postal Service urges voters to send ballots at least a week before Election Day to ensure they are counted.
The headline
Election officials urge voters to mail ballots a week before Election Day to prevent rejection from Postal Service delays.
