Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Illinois Democrats Urge Immediate Return of Mail Ballots Before March 17 Primary

Officials warn USPS processing changes could delay postmarks, putting late-mailed votes at risk.

Overview

  • Illinois leaders including Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul and Toni Preckwinkle pressed mail voters to send ballots now rather than waiting.
  • Democratic officials asked voters to get ballots in the mail by 5 p.m. Tuesday to reduce the chance of a late postmark.
  • The USPS said in January that transportation changes mean some mail may not receive a same-day postmark and advised mailing ballots about a week before Election Day.
  • Illinois requires primary ballots to be postmarked by March 17 for them to be counted.
  • Voters can request a manual postmark at a post office counter or use secure drop boxes at early voting sites, including the downtown location at 69 W. Washington.