Election officials in Illinois are raising alarms about changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) postmark rules that could significantly affect mail-in voting. These changes, which took effect on January 1, 2024, mean that the postmark on mail now reflects the date of processing rather than the date it is received. As a result, ballots mailed on Election Day may no longer be counted if they are not processed in time.
Under the new regulations, a vote-by-mail ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received by election offices within 14 days of that date to be eligible for counting. This change has left officials concerned about the potential for confusion among voters, particularly as the Illinois primary approaches on March 17, 2024. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon emphasized the importance of early voting, stating, “While this change has been described as minor, its potential impact on elections is anything but.”
Gordon has advised voters to send their ballots as early as possible. Ideally, voters should consider taking their ballots directly to the post office instead of using a mailbox. This precaution aims to minimize the risk of ballots being disqualified due to late postmarks.
In Illinois, voters can request a mail-in ballot until March 12, 2024, five days before the primary election. To apply, individuals must submit a request to their local county clerk, with forms available on the Illinois Board of Elections website. Many counties also provide online services for voters to check the status of their submitted ballots.
If a mail-in ballot is rejected, the county clerk’s office must notify the voter within two days, allowing them an opportunity to correct any issues to ensure their vote is counted. Despite increasing acceptance of mail-in voting, it remains a contentious issue. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have raised concerns about potential election fraud linked to mail-in ballots. In 2025, Trump signed an executive order aimed at prohibiting states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day, a decision currently being challenged in court.
In response to criticisms of mail-in voting, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has labeled such claims as “an attack on our democracy.” DNC Chair Ken Martin stated, “The DNC won’t sit idly by as Republicans attack our electoral system — we will keep fighting like hell to ensure every eligible voter is able to have their vote counted.”
As Illinois prepares for the upcoming primary election, officials urge voters to stay informed about the new postal rules and to act swiftly in casting their ballots. The changes to USPS postmark rules highlight the ongoing evolution of voting procedures and the importance of adapting to ensure every vote is counted in a timely manner.
