USPS urges voters to mail ballots early as election day approaches

RIVERSIDE (KESQ) - With Election Day two weeks away, the U.S. Postal Service says it is prepared to deliver ballots securely and on time, while urging voters to mail their ballots early.

During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Jose Medina echoed that message, highlighting recommendations from California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

“California state officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, are urging voters to mail their ballots at least one week before Election Day,” Medina said.

For the Nov. 3 election, voters are encouraged to mail completed ballots by Oct. 27. Under California law, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by election officials within seven days afterward to qualify for counting.

The USPS reported that 97.98% of ballot mail was delivered on time compared with postal service standards through Oct. 9. The agency will implement additional measures beginning Oct. 24, including extra collections, special pickups and expedited processing and transportation of ballot mail.

USPS also cautioned that postmarks may not always match the date a ballot is placed in a collection box or collected by a carrier. Voters mailing ballots on Election Day can visit a post office retail counter and request a free manual postmark.

Medina encouraged voters to consider official ballot drop boxes or early voting locations to avoid potential postal delays.

The Postal Service said it remains confident in its ability to deliver election mail securely, citing its record of handling ballots and the work of postal employees and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

California voters can find election information, ballot drop-off locations and deadlines at the California Secretary of State’s website.