Ballot Rejections Have Soared in Rural Counties as USPS Reduces Mail Service

A ProPublica analysis found that ballot rejections have soared in rural counties following U.S. Postal Service cost-cutting measures that caused mail delivery delays. In eastern Washington's 11 rural counties, nearly 2,000 ballots arrived too late to be counted in the 2026 primary—more than triple the approximately 600 late ballots from the 2022 primary. Postal Service leaders say special procedures should prevent similar delays for the November 3 election, though experts warn mistakes remain likely.