How to Avoid Mail-in Ballot Rejection in WA & OR

Why Are Mail-in Ballots Being Rejected?

In the August primary, thousands of ballots in Washington and Oregon were disqualified due to late postmarks, a direct result of new USPS rules that affect postmarking and delivery timelines. These changes have caused delays in mail delivery, causing ballots to arrive after the deadline or lack a clear postmark.

Election officials in both states have reported a significant uptick in rejected ballots compared to previous elections. The primary reason is that ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within a certain number of days after. With USPS delays, many ballots are being postmarked late or not at all, leading to rejection.

Additionally, signature verification issues remain a common cause for rejection. If your signature doesn't match the one on file, your ballot may be flagged. This can happen if you've recently changed your signature or signed in a different way.

Washington vs. Oregon: Key Differences in Ballot Rules

While both Washington and Oregon conduct elections primarily by mail, their rules for ballot acceptance differ slightly. In Washington, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within two days after. Oregon requires ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of postmark. However, Oregon recently passed a law allowing ballots with a postmark on or before Election Day to be counted if received within seven days after.

It's essential to know your state's specific rules to ensure your ballot is counted. For instance, in Oregon, if you mail your ballot on Election Day, it may not arrive in time unless it has a postmark. To avoid this, consider using a drop box or mailing your ballot well in advance.

Both states offer online tracking systems to monitor your ballot's status, which we'll discuss later.

How to Properly Sign and Date Your Ballot

One of the simplest ways to avoid rejection is to ensure your signature is consistent with your voter registration. When you vote, sign your name exactly as you did when you registered. Avoid using initials or a different style. If you've changed your signature due to marriage or other reasons, update your voter registration immediately.

Date your ballot as instructed. In Washington, the date is used to verify that you are a registered voter, but it's not a reason for rejection if missing. In Oregon, the date is not used for verification. However, it's still a good practice to follow instructions.

If your ballot is rejected due to a signature mismatch, you will be notified and given a chance to fix it. You can update your signature or provide a copy of your ID. Don't ignore these notices—act quickly to cure your ballot.

Tracking Your Mail-in Ballot and What to Do If It's Rejected

Both Washington and Oregon offer online tools to track your ballot. In Washington, you can sign up for alerts at VoteWA.gov. Oregon has OregonVotes.org. These systems let you know when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. If there's a problem, you'll be alerted.

If your ballot is rejected, you'll receive a notice explaining why and how to fix it. In Washington, you can sign a declaration or provide a new signature. In Oregon, you can submit a signature update form. Act quickly, as deadlines apply.

If you haven't received your ballot or it's lost, contact your county elections office immediately. They can issue a replacement. Don't wait until the last minute.

USPS Delays and Legal Challenges: What You Need to Know

The USPS changes, including the removal of mail sorting machines and restrictions on overtime, have caused widespread delays. This has led to legal challenges from advocacy groups and state attorneys general. In some cases, courts have ordered USPS to reverse certain policies.

However, these challenges take time, and the upcoming election may be affected. To protect your vote, don't rely on the USPS close to the deadline. Use a drop box or vote early.

The late postmark rule is particularly problematic. If your ballot is postmarked after Election Day, it will be rejected. Even if it's postmarked on Election Day, it must arrive within a few days. With delays, that's not guaranteed.

Impact on Voters and Communities

The increase in rejected ballots disproportionately affects young voters, people of color, and those in rural areas, who may rely more on mail-in voting. These communities often face barriers to voting, and having their ballots rejected can discourage future participation.

Advocacy groups are working to educate voters about the new rules and how to avoid rejection. They emphasize the importance of voting early and using drop boxes.

As a voter, you can also help by spreading the word to friends and family. Ensure they know the rules and have a plan to cast their ballot successfully.

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Don't Let Your Vote Count for Nothing: How to Avoid Mail-in Ballot Rejection in Washington and Oregon

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