Ballot Rejection Rate Rises in Rural WA

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  Washington's primary election saw 20,267 ballots rejected for late postmarks in 2026“This year, it was 20,267, despite lower turnout overall at about 37% statewide.”
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  There was a 32% increase in ballot rejections for late postmarks from 2024's 16,131 rejections“Statewide, the number of ballots not counted because of late postmarks increased 32%.  In the 2024 primary, 16,131 votes were uncounted because of this. This year, it was 20,267, despite lower turnout overall at about 37% statewide.”
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  Election officials attribute the rise in rejected ballots to U. S. Postal Service changes“Officials here have encouraged Washingtonians to use ballot drop boxes or mail their ballots at least a week before election day to ensure they’ll be counted. Late last year, the Postal Service finalized a rule saying that a piece of mail’s “postmark date does not inherently or necessarily align with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of the mailpiece.”
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  The U. S. Postal Service changes no longer guarantee postmark dates match the day mail is receivedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Rural counties were most affected by the increase in rejected ballots“Rural counties appeared to be affected the most, according to state election data. Lewis, Pend Oreille”
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  Specific data on affected rural counties was not provided in the sourceNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Officials recommend using drop boxes or mailing ballots at least a week before election day“Officials here have encouraged Washingtonians to use ballot drop boxes or mail their ballots at least a week before election day to ensure they’ll be counted.”
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  The next primary election is scheduled for 2028No usable supporting receipt — unverified.