PHOENIX — As the 2024 general election approaches, time is running out for Arizona voters planning to return their early ballots by mail.

In fact, Tuesday is the recommended deadline for mailing in completed ballots for the Nov. 5 general election.

That's because postmarks don't matter under Arizona election law. In order for mail-in ballots to be counted, they must arrive at county election offices by the time polls close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

For this reason, officials always recommend giving the postal service at least a week to deliver ballots.

Tomorrow, October 29, 2024, is the last recommended day to return your ballot for the November 5, 2024 General Election! Can't make it to the post office? Drop it off at a vote center or secure drop box. Visit https://t.co/2Hs9CznmWK to find one near you! pic.twitter.com/gAYBguLyJr

— Maricopa County Elections (@MaricopaVote) October 28, 2024

The U.S. Postal Service said it is preparing for an increase in volume each election season through a series of special measures, including additional pickups and deliveries.

According to USPS statistics, 99.89% of mail-in ballots nationwide were delivered to election officials within a week in 2020, with 99.7% delivered within five days.

What can Arizona voters do if they miss the mail deadline?

Voters who have not registered to receive early voting or do not meet the mail-in deadline still have numerous opportunities to cast their ballot leading up to Election Day.

In Maricopa County, completed early ballots in their signed and sealed green envelopes may be dropped off at any official voting center or drop box until the polls close.

Registered voters can also receive and fill out their ballots in person at any county voting center before and on Election Day. A valid ID is required to vote in person.

Maricopa County is expanding its in-person operations this week, with over 50 vote centers operating throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The number of polling stations will increase to over 240 on election day.

Valley voters can find a searchable map of polling locations, hours and wait times at Locations.Maricopa.Vote. And they can check whether their ballot has been tabulated at BeBallotReady.Vote.

With 13 statewide ballot measures to weigh, Arizona voters are encouraged to consider their options before heading out to vote in person and to plan for the possibility of long waits on Election Day.

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