The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections warns that recent USPS mail processing changes, effective December 24, 2025, may delay postmarks on voter registration forms, potentially affecting deadlines based on postmark dates.​
Key USPS Change
Under the updated guidelines, postmarks now reflect the date of first automated processing at a USPS facility, not the drop-off date at a mailbox or retail location. This stems from USPS network modernization, making same-day postmarks less reliable, especially near deadlines.​
Voter Registration Rules
South Carolina law requires mailed voter registrations to be postmarked at least 30 days before an election, with extensions for Sundays or USPS holidays. Officials recommend requesting a free manual postmark at a staffed USPS counter for forms mailed close to deadlines.​
Recommended Actions
Voters should mail materials early or use alternatives like online, in-person, email, or fax registration. Absentee ballots must arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of postmark.​
