Estimate: USPS Delivery Changes Could Cost 43,000 to 55,000 Ballots

Brookings Institution senior fellow Elena Patel estimated 43,000 to 55,000 additional ballots could be rejected for late arrival in the general election due to USPS's Regional Transportation Optimization changes, NPR reported Oct. 9. The process was not in place for 2026 primaries, which saw increased rejections, including soaring late-postmark rejections in Washington and Oregon.