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Joliet Today
By the People, for the People
La Grange League of Women Voters Urges Early Mailed Ballot Submission
Concerns over USPS postmarking changes could impact validity of late-arriving ballots in upcoming primary election.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area is strongly advising voters who plan to cast their ballots by mail in the March 17 primary election to get their ballots in the mail no later than March 10, a full week before the election day deadline. This is due to recent changes in USPS postmarking practices that could result in ballots not being properly postmarked by the required deadline, potentially invalidating them.
Why it matters
The League's concerns stem from a January statement by the U.S. Postal Service indicating that adjustments to transportation operations may mean some mail pieces are not processed and postmarked on the same day they are collected. This could disenfranchise voters who assume their ballot will be properly postmarked if mailed close to the deadline.
The details
Barbara Lamb, co-president of the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area, said the postal service's new postmarking practices mean a ballot dropped in a mailbox on March 17 may not actually be postmarked that same day. This could lead to the ballot being invalidated, as Illinois requires mail-in ballots to be postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days. The League is urging voters to mail their ballots at least a week early to ensure they are properly postmarked and counted.
- The March 17 primary election is the deadline for ballots to be postmarked.
- Ballots must be received within 14 days of the March 17 election.
- The League is advising voters to mail their ballots no later than March 10, a week before the election.
The players
League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area
A local chapter of the national nonpartisan organization that works to expand voter access and participation.
Barbara Lamb
Co-president of the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area.
U.S. Postal Service
The federal agency responsible for mail delivery, which has made changes to its postmarking practices that are causing concern for the League.
What they’re saying
“Basically, the post office has changed its postmarking for efficiency. Mail is then brought to a processing site but may not be postmarked for several days.”
— Barbara Lamb, Co-president, League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area (Chicago Tribune)
“We just want to make sure they're all counted properly.”
— Barbara Lamb, Co-president, League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area (Chicago Tribune)
What’s next
The League is encouraging voters to either mail their ballots by March 10 or drop them off at an early voting site drop box to ensure they are properly postmarked and counted.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of staying informed about evolving election procedures, especially when it comes to mail-in voting, to ensure all eligible votes are counted. The League's proactive outreach is crucial for protecting voter access and the integrity of the electoral process.
