California special election: How a USPS mail service change may delay ballot returns for rural voters

if you’re planning to mail your ballot, don’t wait until Election Day.

STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. — California voters can choose to cast ballots for the Proposition 50 special election in person at a vote center, drop-off location, or by mail.

However, those opting to mail their ballots for the Nov. 4 election should be aware of potential delays in postmarking, depending on their location. In short, if you’re planning to mail your ballot, don’t wait until Election Day.

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A U.S. Postal Service policy change that took effect in April could lead to delays in postmarking for California voters who live more than 50 miles from a regional hub, including in rural areas of Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.

“In many parts of California, recent changes in the U.S. postal mail service mean your ballot may not be counted if you drop it off at a post office or a USPS mail box on election day,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “This is true for any community that is more than 50 miles from one of California’s six regional mail processing facilities.”

Northern California has only two Postal Service hubs, located in West Sacramento and Richmond. The others are in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Bell Gardens and San Diego.

Click here to read the full article in KCRA