Share and Follow
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois officials are strongly advising voters who intend to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election to submit their ballots promptly.
This urging follows the implementation of new mail processing guidelines by the United States Postal Service (USPS), which began in December. These changes affect the timing of postmarks on mailed items. Now, ballots may receive a postmark only after being processed at a postal facility, rather than at the time they are initially sent.
State authorities are worried that ballots sent close to election day might end up being counted as late, due to these changes.
Among those expressing concern is Illinois Representative Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat, who is actively involved in a bipartisan congressional postal service caucus. This group aims to identify pragmatic solutions for enhancing USPS operations. Budzinski emphasized the importance of mailing ballots as early as possible to guarantee voters’ voices are heard.
“If you’re using vote by mail in Illinois, it’s crucial to drop your ballot in the mail today,” Budzinski stressed. “Don’t delay, and don’t risk your vote not being counted.”
Budzkinski said she’s also worried the new postal rules will impact people with limited time in their schedule. She said working Americans may not always have the flexibility to make a trip to the post office.
“For working people that are struggling every day, just trying to make ends meet, going into that post office is a luxury of time that they just might not have,” Budzinski said.
The Postal Service recommends mailing ballots at least seven days before Election Day. Voters can also return their ballots using secure drop boxes provided by local election authorities.
Illinois’ primary election will be held next Tuesday. The primary will determine party nominees for Congress, the Illinois General Assembly and local races.