Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court upholds mail-in ballot date requirement, setting a clear standard for the 2024 election.
At a Glance
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules undated mail-in ballots will not be counted in 2024 elections
- Decision overturns lower court’s attempt to alter ballot validation procedures
- Ruling maintains existing election law standards in crucial swing state
- Republicans support the decision, while some officials argue it burdens election workers
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reinforces Election Integrity
In a decisive ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has blocked the counting of mail-in ballots without handwritten dates for the upcoming 2024 election. This decision reverses a previous Commonwealth Court ruling that had deemed the handwritten date requirement unconstitutional. The high court’s ruling came in response to an appeal by the Pennsylvania Republican Party, effectively reinforcing existing election laws and procedures in this crucial swing state.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that the state’s highest court has intervened to uphold the dating requirement for mail-in ballots. The ruling sends a clear message about maintaining consistent standards for ballot verification across Pennsylvania, a state that often plays a pivotal role in national elections.
GOP again asks Pennsylvania Supreme Court to rule against counting undated mail-in ballots https://t.co/EoUi00qr7G
— POLITICO (@politico) October 31, 2024
Judicial Criticism of Attempted Changes
Justice Kevin Dougherty of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court offered sharp criticism of the lower court’s attempt to alter election laws during an active election cycle. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining stability in election procedures, especially as the state prepares for its role as a key battleground in the upcoming election.
“‘This Court will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election.’ We said those carefully chosen words only weeks ago. Yet they apparently were not heard in the Commonwealth Court, the very court where the bulk of election litigation unfolds.” – Justice Kevin Dougherty
Justice Dougherty’s comments highlight the court’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and avoiding last-minute changes that could potentially confuse voters or complicate the work of election officials.
Impact on Election Workers and Political Reactions
While the ruling maintains the status quo, it has sparked discussions about the potential impact on election workers. State officials who favored counting undated ballots argued that such a change would ease the process for those managing the elections. The Pennsylvania Department of State had submitted a brief supporting the proposed change, citing concerns about the burdens placed on election workers under the current rules.
“Today’s order, which I join, rights the ship. And it sends a loud message to all courts in this Commonwealth: in declaring we would not countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election, we said what we meant and meant what we said.” – Justice Kevin Dougherty
Pennsylvania Republicans have voiced strong support for the Supreme Court’s decision. They accused Democrats of attempting to undermine the date requirement, framing the ruling as a victory for election integrity. This political divide underscores the ongoing debates surrounding mail-in voting procedures and their impact on election outcomes in key swing states like Pennsylvania.
NEW: The DNC is urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to rule that counties must count undated and misdated mail-in ballots during the Nov. 5 election. A lower court issued a narrow ruling on the matter that only applied to a previous special election. https://t.co/gCH6awSK08
— Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) November 1, 2024
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Election
As Pennsylvania gears up for its crucial role in the 2024 election cycle, this ruling provides clarity on mail-in voting procedures. Voters will need to ensure they include handwritten dates on their mail-in ballots for them to be counted. Election officials and workers will continue to operate under the existing standards, maintaining consistency in the ballot verification process across the state.
The decision reinforces the importance of following established election laws and highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding voting procedures in key battleground states. As the 2024 election approaches, Pennsylvania’s experience serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between state courts, election laws, and the democratic process.
