Californians may think twice before waiting until the last minute to mail their ballot (or tax bill) this year, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) rolls out changes to how it issues postmarks.
A USPS postmark is an official mark that shows where and when the Postal Service accepted mail. It used to include the date when it was dropped in a mailbox or a post office lobby.
However, a new rule enacted on Dec. 24 will have the postmark reflect the date the mail is first processed by an automated USPS sorting machine, potentially days after it was dropped off, not the actual drop-off date.
It remains to be seen how the postmark changes will affect California’s voter turnout, where nearly 89% of statewide ballots cast in the 2025 special election were vote-by-mail.
While there are many ways for California voters to turn in their ballots, including at numerous secure designated drop boxes, polling locations, voter centers, or county elections offices, for voters mailing their ballot on Election Day, it is recommended that they get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside their local U.S. Post Office, advised the California Office of the Secretary of State.
Indeed, for time-sensitive mail, such as tax payments, legal filings, and charitable contributions, the USPS advises customers to request a manual postmark at a retail location to ensure their mail receives a postmark that matches the date they drop it off.
Customers can also request a Certificate of Mailing for proof of date, as is usually available at the post office.
How will the postmark rule affect mail?
The new USPS postmark rule affects mail dropped in a mailbox or a blue postal box. Postmarks will be applied at regional sorting facilities, so the date stamped will be the date processing begins, not the date it is mailed.
Tax payments, charitable contributions, legal filings, rent payments, and other bills or items that rely on postmark dates for deadlines can be impacted by later postmarks and risk late fees, penalties, or delinquency.
Time-sensitive mail should be mailed several days before the deadline, or when you can go inside your local post office and ask for a hand-stamped postmark on the date you send it.
Post office lobbies continue modernization in 2026
The first phase of a nationwide modernization of U.S. Post Office lobbies concluded in October 2025 and will continue into 2026.
Part of the USPS’s long-range “Delivering for America” transformation plan, the retail modernization effort includes the installation of 24/7 smart lockers, enhanced self-service kiosks, and digital information displays in post office lobbies across the United States.
According to the USPS, there are 2,600 locations with enhanced self-service kiosks and 700 locations that offer smart lockers. Further modernizations include a rapid drop mobile application to extend self-service processes.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: New postmark rule brings changes to California mail
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
