During the June primary, 1,837 mail ballots in Washoe County were rejected because they received late postmarks. Nearly all arrived within Nevada’s four-day grace period, but they still could not be counted because they were postmarked after Election Day.

As we prepare for the November election, this is a real example of how a U.S. Postal Service processing change can affect mail-in voting. USPS now postmarks mail when it reaches a processing facility—not necessarily when it is placed in a mailbox. A same-day postmark is not guaranteed.

The burden should not fall on voters to navigate a complicated process just to make sure their vote counts. LEAN encourages voters to return their ballots by October 30. After that date, use an official drop box or return your ballot directly to the registrar’s office or a drop box at an Election Day vote center. If you mail your ballot, you can ask for a same-day postmark at the post office counter