New York State election officials are urging voters to return early mail and absentee ballots for the June 2026 Primary Election as soon as possible, citing recent changes in U.S. Postal Service postmark procedures that could affect how ballots are dated and processed.
Under updated U.S. Postal Service guidance, a postmark now reflects the date a mail piece is processed at a postal facility rather than the date it is deposited in a mailbox. Officials said that means ballots dropped in the mail on a given day may not receive a postmark until a later date, potentially affecting time-sensitive election mail.
To reduce the risk of delays, the State Board of Elections is encouraging voters to mail ballots well in advance of deadlines or return them directly to a polling site or their county board of elections.
“While these postal changes do not alter New York’s election laws, they underscore the importance of voters making a plan to return their ballot,” said Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, co-executive director of the State Board of Elections. “The most effective step voters can take is to return their ballot early. Doing so helps ensure their vote reaches election officials in a timely manner and eliminates uncertainty related to mail processing.”
“The Board is committed to ensuring voters understand how these changes may affect the handling of mailed ballots,” added Raymond J. Riley III, co-executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We encourage every voter who plans to vote by mail to review the deadlines, understand their options, and return their ballot as soon as possible. Every eligible voter should cast their ballot with confidence in the process and peace of mind.”
Officials noted that New York election law allows ballots to be postmarked up through Election Day. Voters mailing ballots close to that deadline may request a manual or hand-stamped postmark at a U.S. Postal Service retail counter at no charge. Properly postmarked ballots must be received by the voter’s county board of elections within seven days after Election Day.
The State Board of Elections is also reminding voters of key deadlines for the June primary:
- June 13, 2026: Deadline to register to vote for the primary election
- June 13, 2026: Deadline to request a ballot by mail
- June 13–21, 2026: Early in-person voting period
- June 23, 2026: Primary Election Day
Voters are encouraged to contact the State Board of Elections or their local county board of elections for additional information about voting options and deadlines.
Image: A USPS mailbox stands beside the Canal Street station, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)