Did I hear correctly that mail-in ballots don't need a postmark and that a person can sign the ballot using an X or checkmark?
This is correct. Mail in ballots do not need a postmark. This is why.
You may return your voted ballot by any of the below listed choices.
By drop boxDrop off your completed ballot in the return envelope at a secure official drop box in your county at any time between May 5 through the close of polls on June 2.
In personDrop your completed ballot in the return envelope off at a secure drop box, polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on June 2. Voting locations will be available in all counties before Election Day. Voting locations offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.
By mailReturn your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it.
Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received not later than 7 days after Election Day. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day make sure to mail it at least five days before Election Day, June 2, 2026. If mailing on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mailAgain, you are correct. In California there are options available for folks with disabilities that make it impossible for them to sign a ballot. One of those options is signing with an X. But there are some requirements which must be met.
X mark option
California law has a backup for voters who cannot sign their name.
"You're supposed to put a mark, typically an X, on the signature line. Have someone print your name next to the mark. But then that person also needs to sign the vote by mail envelope," Spencer said.
A signature stamp is another option, though it requires a trip to the county elections office to register the stamp ahead of time.
https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/05/27/when-a-signature-is-a-barrier-california-offers-voters-a-way-through/