Postal Service Confirms Manual Postmark Rule After Election Day Denial
A voter in Columbia was refused a stamp on their ballot, prompting a policy clarification from USPS spokesperson Mark Lawrence.
By Christopher Singh ·
One ballot received a postmark after a specific refusal at a local counter, a discrepancy that has now forced a formal policy reminder from the U.S. Postal Service. The incident occurred on the morning of November 3 at the facility located at 6801 Oak Hall Lane in Columbia, Md.
The voter, who spoke to WMAR-2 News, stated that a postal employee declined to stamp the mail-in ballot. The worker cited a directive from the postmaster, claiming staff were instructed not to postmark ballots. The employee further suggested the voter switch to Priority Mail to secure a date stamp, a method the voter said was unnecessary for a standard ballot mailed that day.
The voter eventually traveled to a different post office, where staff provided the requested postmark and accepted the ballot. The successful delivery of that specific envelope underscores the procedural gap at the first location.
Mark Lawrence, a USPS spokesperson, confirmed the agency has reviewed the situation. He described the refusal as an isolated incident that management has already addressed. Lawrence clarified the standing rule: retail employees must provide a manual postmark to any customer requesting it for an item mailed that same day.
USPS guidance for voters who need proof of mailing is now explicit. Individuals should visit a retail counter and ask for a manual postmark. If a clerk denies the request, the customer should ask to speak with a manager to resolve the issue on the spot.
