BallotbyMail.org

Does a postmark save your ballot?

Does a postmark save your ballot? In 35 states your ballot must ARRIVE by Election Day — posting it that morning is too late. In 16 a postmark by Election Day is enough. ALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY Must ARRIVE by Election Day (35 states) Postmark by Election Day is enough (16 states) Late arrival was the top reason ballots were rejected in 40% of US counties in 2024. ballotbymail.org · Verified against each state's official election page. Deadlines and exceptions vary; check your state.
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This is the rule people get wrong most often, and getting it backwards is how a ballot posted on time still doesn't count. In 35 states the ballot has to be in the election office's hands by Election Day. In 16 a postmark by Election Day is enough, though most still set a final arrival date days later.

Postmark is enough in: Alaska, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.

Verified against each state's official election page, with the date of every check on the about page. Exceptions exist — military and overseas ballots often have longer windows. Why ballots were rejected →