Recent reports indicate a significant increase in the number of mail-in ballots rejected due to late postmarks across Washington and Oregon. A new audit reveals that the U.S. Postal Service failed to properly handle some ballots during the primary elections, contributing to the surge. In Washington alone, over 20,000 ballots were rejected during the August primary, and more than 475 ballots from Central Oregon were not counted due to late postmarks. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that recent changes in USPS policies have exacerbated the issue, leading to more than double the rejections in certain counties. Officials are urging voters to send their ballots early to avoid complications.