Postmarks are now applied when mail reaches a regional processing center instead of at a local post office.
Becky Jones, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, said populations who rely on voting absentee, including rural residents, college students, military service members and the elderly or disabled could be harmed by a slower mail delivery system.
"In 2024, we had over 130,000 Kentuckians request a mail-in absentee ballot," Jones pointed out. "It's not an insignificant number."
She added in Kentucky, the postmark date alone is not a defining reason for whether an absentee ballot is accepted; it has to be in the county clerk's possession by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day. Experts said the changes will affect about 70% of the nation’s ZIP codes.
Jones noted voting-related deadlines are quickly approaching for the state’s primary election, which is being held May 19. Kentucky’s online absentee ballot request portal opens on April 4 and closes May 5.
"I want folks to remember to start looking at – if they want to use an absentee ballot – mark April 4 on your calendar and make your request," Jones urged. "So it is time to get to you and you have time to fill it out, and you have time to return it."
The deadline to register to vote in the 2026 primary is April 20, no later than 4 p.m. local time.
