US Election Officials Warn Voters Ahead Of Primaries
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United States election officials across multiple states are urging voters to prepare for a series of upcoming primary elections, reporting actions taken this week in Alabama, Oregon, Montana and New Mexico. Officials said the May 19 primary in Alabama will proceed despite federal redistricting litigation, Oregon warned of USPS delays ahead of its primary, and Missoula County mailed ballots for the June 2 federal primary. Local authorities announced immediate steps: Missoula County mailed 63,300 absentee ballots and reported a labeling error affecting 14,368 Democratic ballots; Oregon's Secretary of State advised voters to use drop boxes or obtain hand-stamped postmarks to avoid postal delays; New Mexico expanded early voting and reiterated absentee request and mailing deadlines of May 19 and May 26 ahead of the June 2 primary.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2025 — USPS implements service changes and cuts affecting mail timelines.
- May 11–15, 2026 — State officials and news outlets begin issuing pre-primary guidance and warnings.
- May 19, 2026 — Alabama schedules primary to proceed despite federal redistricting cases; absentee request deadline in New Mexico.
- May 26, 2026 — USPS recommended last mailing date for safe delivery ahead of June 2 in some jurisdictions.
- June 2, 2026 — Federal primary in Montana and primary elections in other states, with expanded early voting and runoffs possible afterward.
Why This Matters to You
Your vote counts. But USPS changes may affect mail-in ballot timelines. Check your state's deadlines and instructions. If you're in Alabama, Oregon, Montana, or New Mexico, pay special attention to the recent updates.
The Bottom Line
Election officials are working to ensure a smooth primary, despite challenges. They're advising early voting and using drop boxes to avoid postal delays. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make your vote count. Worth forwarding if you know someone in these states.
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Voters using drop boxes and early in-person voting, and election administrators who implement hand-stamping and expanded early locations, benefited from clearer guidance and alternative pathways to ensure ballot processing ahead of deadlines.
Voters relying on regular USPS delivery, rural voters facing longer mail routes, and those in Missoula affected by mislabeled Democratic ballots potentially suffered increased risk of ballot rejection or confusion.
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