Dont ComplyProPublica reported that the U.S. Postal Service's regional transportation optimization plan, which cut pickups from twice daily to once at many post offices 50 miles or more from processing plants, delayed delivery and postmarking of mail. Its analysis of 2026 primary data from Washington, California, Ohio, North Carolina and Oregon found late-ballot rejection rates in affected counties doubled or tripled from 2022. In eastern Washington, nearly 2,000 ballots arrived late versus about 600 in 2022. Postal Service leaders said special procedures for the Nov. 3 election should prevent delays, and a spokesperson said the agency told election officials the changes would alter schedules. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the Postal Service was not direct enough. Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy did not respond to ProPublica's questions.
Why it matters
Cost-cutting decisions at a federal agency may affect whether rural voters' mail ballots are counted. The reporting raises questions about how clearly the agency communicated service changes to election officials and voters.
These are unproven claims, and everyone named is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.