The United States Postal Service released a new rule clarifying the definition of a “postmark.”
A postmark reflects the date that an envelope is first processed by an automated USPS sorting machine, potentially days after it was dropped off – not the actual drop-off date.
Wisconsin voters who register by mail should be aware of how this change affects voter registration deadlines.
Will the new rule affect absentee ballots?
No. Voting by mail remains the same in Wisconsin. All ballots must be received by 8pm on Election Day.
We recommend that absentee voters mail their ballots back no later than 10 days before the election. Voters can also personally return their ballot and should contact their municipal clerk about where and when it is accepted.
How is voter registration impacted?
If you register to vote by mail in Wisconsin, it must be postmarked 20 days before Election Day.
Since the postmark may reflect a later date, you should ensure that your registration is submitted well in advance of the 20-day postmark deadline. Alternatively, you can request a manual postmark (a "hand-cancel") at the post office counter to guarantee your postmark reflects the drop-off date.
Wisconsin also allows online voter registration until 20 days before an election, and if you miss the deadline, you can always register to vote in person at the polls.
That’s why our guidance is to register online if possible to avoid this postmark issue and potential data entry errors.
