Cook County Clerk Warns of USPS Postmark Change Before Primary

Voters urged to return mail-in ballots early to avoid potential delays.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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With a change in USPS postmarking procedures set to take effect, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is urging mail-in voters to return their ballots early for the upcoming March 17 primary election. Gordon warned that ballots mailed close to Election Day may not receive a postmark by March 17, potentially leading to those votes being deemed invalid.

Why it matters

The USPS change, which will now list the postmark date as the day an item was processed rather than mailed, could disenfranchise some voters if their ballots are not received with a timely postmark. This comes amid ongoing concerns about voter suppression efforts and Republican challenges to mail-in voting laws.

The details

The USPS change, effective January 1, means ballots dropped in the mail close to March 17 may not receive a postmark by Election Day, even if a voter does everything right. Gordon urged voters to return mail-in ballots early and said her office will send advisories to reinforce the warning. Voters can also drop off ballots at 55 drop boxes across suburban Cook County starting March 2.

  • The USPS postmarking change took effect on January 1, 2026.
  • The March 17, 2026 primary election is the upcoming election impacted by the postmarking change.
  • Voters can begin dropping off mail-in ballots at 55 drop boxes across suburban Cook County starting on March 2, 2026.

The players

Monica Gordon

The Democratic Cook County Clerk who is urging early mail-in voting due to the USPS postmark change.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who has made false and misleading claims about mail-in voting fraud, and has suggested he might take control of the USPS.

Mike Bost

A Republican U.S. Representative from Illinois who has challenged the state's law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted 14 days later.

Timothy Norman

A USPS spokesperson who has pushed back against concerns about the postmarking change, calling it a "myth" that the process is changing.

Edmond Michalowski

The election deputy for the Cook County Clerk's office, who explained how the USPS change could affect voters who drop off ballots at local boxes.

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What they’re saying

“While this change has been described as minor, its impact on elections could be anything.”

— Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk (chicagotribune.com)

“We will not allow our votes to be suppressed. We will not allow our voters' voices not to be heard.”

— Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk (chicagotribune.com)

“We employ a long-standing, robust and proven process to ensure proper handling and delivery of all Election Mail, including ballots.”

— Timothy Norman, USPS Spokesperson (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.