Trump Changed Mail Votes Postmark Rules

The Trump (R) Administration, quietly Changed the Rules that formally Define what a Postmark is, and when it is Applied. Under the New Rule, the Official Postmark Date Reflects the First Date the Mail was Automatically Processed, Not the Date it was Dropped in a Mailbox. While this may seem like a Small Change, it could have a Significant Impact on Important Documents that Rrely on the Mailing Process, such as Tax Payments, Voting Ballots, or Bills. Previously, whenever you Mailed a Letter, you could Trust that the Post Office would give it an Official Date Stamp Reflecting the Day the Piece of Mail was Received.

For Decades, the Postmark Date served as a kind of Safety Net, especially for last-minute Tax Filings. As Llong as your Tax Return or Ppayment was Dropped in the Mail by the Filing Deadline, the Stamped Date was Proof that you Filed-on-Time, even if the IRS didn’t Receive it for several Days.

That is Important because the IRS Treats the Postmark Date as the Filing Date for Paper Returns. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Millions of Americans still Rely on that Rule. While most Taxpayers now File Electronically, roughly 11 million People Mailed Paper Returns in 2025.

Under the United States Postal Service's (USPS) New Policy, that Protection is Weake. If your Return isn’t Processed by the Deadline. even if you mailed it on time, it may be considered Late. That’s especially Risky if you owe Money, because Late-Filing Penalties and Interest, can Start Accruing Quickly, even if you Miss the Deadline by just Four Days.

This Change could also impact Mail-in Voting, which Relies on the same Rule. Sixteen States allow Mail-in-Ballots Postmarked by Election Day, to be Counted if Received Within, currently Each States Determine that Number of Days. However, the New Rule could mean that Votes that aren't Processed by Election Day won't be Counted. It may also Impact Bill Payments if your Bank, Credit Card Company or Utility Company Relies on the same Postmark Rule.

So why was this change made? In recent years, the USPS has faced Staffing Shortages, Rising Costs, and Delivery Delays, particularly during Peak Mailing Periods, such as the Holidays. To keep Mail Moving, the Agency Increased its use of Centralized Sorting Facilities and Automated Equipment, where Mail is Scanned and processed in Large Batches rather than by Local Post Offices.

This means a Piece of Mail may Sit in a Mailbox or Bin for Days before it is Moved to a Centralized Processing Facility that may be Miles away, then get Postmaeked.

Another way to Resolve this Issue, is the Post Office. If you bring the Sealed Document or Vote Envelope to the Post Office, You can asked to have it Postmarked. This will also help the current Problem of the Postmark Missing and Votes Not Counted.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker