New York Attorney General and USPS Urge Early Ballot Mailing
Letitia James and the United States Postal Service are urging voters to mail ballots early to ensure timely delivery for the November 3 general election.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and the United States Postal Service are urging voters to mail their ballots early for the November 3 general election to ensure they are counted. James emphasized that the mail-in process is safe and secure, reminding residents that the deadline to request a ballot online or by mail is October 24, which also marks the start of early voting.
The United States Postal Service is recommending that domestic, nonmilitary voters mail completed ballots at least one week before they are due. Postmaster General David Steiner reported that 97.98% of ballot mail was delivered on time through October 9. To maintain this rate, the agency will implement extra deliveries, special pickups, and dedicated sorting plans starting October 24. Both James and the postal service suggest that voters request a free manual postmark at retail locations to ensure the postmark matches the date of mailing.
Legal actions have shaped the current delivery framework. James and a coalition successfully sued to block a federal rule that would have allowed the postal service to refuse delivery of certain mail ballots, a block later upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States. The postal service confirmed it will not enforce the Ballot Mail for Federal Elections rule for the 2026 cycle. To support voters, the Office of the Attorney General of New York will operate an Election Protection Hotline from October 24 through November 4.
