What is a ballot curing period? Mail ballot fix window explained
A ballot curing period is a window of time in which a voter whose mail ballot has a problem can supply missing information or confirm a signature so the vote is counted. These ballots are often the last ones tabulated, so the period can delay final totals in close races during the 2026 midterm election count.
Why it's in the news
The 2026 midterm elections will take hours, days or weeks to finish counting in some races, and election officials in each state run their own counts. Curing periods are one reason some close contests take longer to call.
- When Do They Start Counting Votes — Midterm vote counts may take hours, days or weeks to finish
Background
Some states give voters a set number of days after election day to fix a mail ballot that has a defect, such as a signature that does not match the one on file. The voter is given a chance to provide additional information or verify the signature, and the ballot is then counted if the fix is accepted. Because these ballots are processed last, the curing period can keep a race uncounted for days after the polls close.
The rule matters now because all 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats and 36 governor's offices are on the ballot this year. Many key races are expected to be close, and CBS News has noted that close races tend to be decided later. Some states also count mail ballots postmarked by election day for days afterward, and the US Supreme Court has upheld that practice, so late-arriving ballots can also extend the count.
A result is still not final when the curing period ends. Local authorities must canvass and certify the totals, and very narrow margins, usually a fraction of a percent, can trigger an automatic recount under state or local law.
What people are asking
What is a ballot curing period?
It is a window after election day in which a voter whose mail ballot has a problem, such as a signature mismatch or missing information, can fix it so the ballot is counted.
Why do curing periods delay results?
Curing ballots are often the last ones tabulated, so a race with many of them may not be finished until the window closes and those ballots are processed.
Is a result final after the curing period?
Not necessarily. Results are final only after local authorities canvass and certify them, and very narrow margins can trigger an automatic recount.