Many voters and taxpayers don’t realize there’s a critical difference between dropping an envelope in a mailbox and having it officially postmarked by the post office — and that difference could cost you.
According to the Registrar of Voters and the IRS, it’s not enough to simply place your envelope in the mail. Your envelope must receive an official postal stamp no later than the relevant deadline: Election Day for mail-in ballots, and April 15 for tax returns. Envelopes dropped in a mailbox may not be processed or postmarked on the same day they’re deposited, which could cause your submission to be considered late.
To ensure your ballot or tax return is accepted, take your envelope inside your local post office and have it hand-stamped by a clerk. Better yet, don’t wait until the deadline — visit the post office a few days early to avoid long lines and give yourself peace of mind.
When in doubt, go in person and get the stamp.
