Pennsylvania Court Rules Mail-In Ballots Invalid Without Proper Dates

A recent ruling by a Pennsylvania federal appeals court is set to shake up the landscape of the state’s electoral process.

The decision, handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, states that mail-in ballots lacking accurate handwritten dates on their outer envelopes will not be considered valid.

This ruling is poised to significantly influence the upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state.

Appeals Court Overturns Pennsylvania Lower Court Decision

The Third Circuit’s ruling, passed by a slim 2-1 majority, marks a reversal of a previous decision made by a lower court in November.

The lower court had taken the stance that mail-in ballots, even if lacking proper dates, should still be counted as long as they were received on time.

This decision was based on the argument that minor paperwork discrepancies should not disenfranchise voters, citing the Materiality Provision of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Mandatory Requirement for Date Inclusion

However, the federal appeals court’s opinion, as articulated by Judge Thomas Ambro, underscores the mandatory nature of the state law regarding mail-in ballots.

According to Ambro, Pennsylvania law unequivocally mandates that voters include the date on their ballot envelopes for their votes to be considered valid.

This ruling emphasizes the strict adherence to procedural requirements outlined by the state legislature.

Debate Over Election Integrity

The ruling has reignited debates surrounding the integrity of mail-in voting, with proponents highlighting its convenience and accessibility for various demographics, including senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Conversely, critics, particularly among Republicans, have raised concerns about potential election irregularities.

Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of mail-in voting, attributing part of his 2020 election loss to what he describes as a flawed system.

Partisan Divide in Mail-In Voting

In Pennsylvania, a clear partisan divide exists regarding the use of mail-in ballots, with Democrats exhibiting a higher propensity for this method of voting compared to Republicans.

Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee, hailed the Third Circuit’s ruling as a victory for election integrity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence in the electoral process, both within Pennsylvania and across the nation.

Implications for Voters

However, not everyone is pleased with the court’s decision.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which advocated for groups and voters challenging the date mandate, expressed concern over potential disenfranchisement.

Mike Lee, the ACLU’s executive director in Pennsylvania, warned that thousands of voters could lose their voice due to what he deems a trivial paperwork error.

Lee argued that such barriers contradict the spirit of the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to prevent unnecessary impediments to voting.

Impact of Previous Discrepancies

The ramifications of this ruling extend beyond legal debates, with practical implications observed in past elections.

In the 2022 midterms, over 7,600 mailed ballots across 12 counties were discarded due to missing or incorrect dates on their outer envelopes.

This underscores the tangible effects of adherence to procedural requirements and the potential consequences for voters when such criteria are not met.

Also Read: New York Judge Merchan Clamps Down: Trump Restricted from Public Statements