THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE RELEASE
The Vermilion County Clerk’s Office is advising voters of a recent United States Postal Service (USPS) change that may affect the timing of Vote by Mail ballot postmarks.
In late 2025, USPS updated its postmark system so that machine postmarks reflect the date mail is processed at a postal facility, not when it is placed in a mailbox. Due to postal network consolidation, mail may experience processing delays, which could result in ballots receiving a postmark later than expected.
Vote by Mail remains a safe, secure, and reliable way to vote. Ballots are subject to strict security measures, including signature verification and secure handling. This USPS change does not impact ballot security—only the importance of returning ballots on time.
Illinois law requires Vote by Mail ballots to be postmarked by Election Day. To ensure timely postmarking, voters are encouraged to:
• Mail ballots well in advance
• Visit a USPS post office counter and request a manual postmark
• Return ballots in person to the Vermilion County Clerk’s Office
o For voter convenience, a member of the Clerk’s staff may retrieve a ballot directly from a voter’s vehicle upon request by calling 217-554-1900
Voters with questions should contact the Vermilion County Clerk’s Office for assistance at 217-554-1900
