Press Release: DPI Chair Hernandez, Illinois Democrats Across the State To Voters: Due to USPS Change, Mail in Your Ballot ASAP, Ensure Your Vote is Counted
Today’s press conferences were in response to Trump administration USPS changes
Springfield, IL — With Primary Election Day just a week away, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez was proud to stand with several members of the Illinois Democratic delegation today to clearly say to voters: mail in your ballot as soon as possible. Hernandez, along with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Illinois Democratic County Chair Association (IDCCA) President Mark Guethle in Chicago, and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Adams County Democrats Chair Kate Daniels in a virtual press conference, informed Illinoisans of the recent USPS postal change, shared voter protection resources and ultimately helped ensure no Illinoisans’ vote is suppressed.
Starting at the end of last year, the USPS has changed a postmark rule stating that mail won’t necessarily be postmarked the same day that it is picked up by your local Postal Carrier, including mail-in ballots.
If a ballot is mailed too close to Election Day, it could be marked as late, meaning that vote is not counted and thus, potentially thousands of Illinois voters are silenced through no fault of their own.
“With one targeted attack at voting rights after another by Trump and Republicans, the Democratic Party of Illinois has made protecting Illinoisans’ right to have their voices heard at the polls a priority. Together with Illinois Democrats across the state who are doing the work to defend our democracy, we’re urging voters to act now—return your ballot by March 10, use an official drop box, or vote in person to ensure your vote counts,” said DPI Chair Hernandez.
“This postal change made under the Trump Administration is especially concerning for rural Illinoisans who rely on mail-in voting and don’t live near a polling place. We want voters to know their options and take action now so their ballots are counted,” said U.S. Representative Budzinski (IL-13).
“Changes like this risk making voting confusing for people who already face barriers to participating in elections. We’ve seen repeated efforts by the Trump Administration to target voters’ rights. That’s why we’re making sure every voter knows how to return their ballot safely and on time,” said Illinois Attorney General Raoul.
“Our focus is making sure every eligible voter can cast a ballot that counts. With Election Day approaching, voters who still have their mail ballot should send it now or drop it in an official ballot drop box or vote in person,” said Illinois Secretary of State Giannoulias.
“In a county as large and diverse as Cook County, there is simply too much on the line to risk a ballot arriving late. Acting now—by mailing your ballot by tomorrow, or using an official drop box or voting in person—will help make sure your voice is heard in this primary,” said Cook County Board President Preckwinkle.
“As Treasurer, my responsibility is to protect Illinoisans and ensure transparency in the systems they depend on, and that responsibility is no different when it comes to our elections. That’s why we’re focused on educating voters and making sure people know how to return their ballots so their vote is counted,” said Illinois Treasurer Frerichs.
“Our county parties are on the frontlines helping voters navigate the election process and providing the information, resources, and support they need to cast their ballots safely. Our goal is simple: make sure every voter has clear information and a reliable way to return their ballot,” said IDCCA President Guethle.
“For many voters in rural counties, like Adams County, mailing a ballot is the most accessible way to participate in our democracy. Rural voters should never be penalized for using mail-in ballots, which is why we’re urging them to return their ballots before tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th at 5 p.m.,” said Adams County Democrats Chair Daniels.
Voters can find their nearest official ballot drop box and polling place at iwillvote.com.
Voters who need support or encounter any issues are encouraged to contact DPI’s Voter Protection Hotline at 855-458-6837 or at [email protected].
Today’s conferences build on the Party’s broader voter protection efforts, including hosting statewide voter protection trainings, providing hosting a voter protection hotline, and engaging in robust volunteer recruitment to help ensure every voter can cast their ballot successfully.
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