The U.S. Postal Service has issued guidance to voters casting their ballots by mail ahead of the general election on November 5.
“Our message to the public is simple. If you are planning to use the U.S. Mail to cast your ballot in November, please plan to mail early,” Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy said in a press release.
The agency advised voters to post their completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one week before the deadline by which their completed ballot must be received by their local election official.
Different states have varying deadlines for when ballots must be received by.
Some states require that ballots arrive by Election Day, while others accept ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day and received within a specified timeframe afterward.
Voters are advised to research their state’s rules and deadlines to make sure their ballots arrive in time, the agency said.
