Friday, October 25
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5th Circuit leaves fate of mail-in ballot deadlines uncertain 11 days from election
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received by election officials up to five business days later. But the 5th Circuit says a lower court will determine what the state’s ballot receipt deadline will be this year.
If this case or other cases raising similar claims are appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, an order from the justices could have nationwide implications. Approximately 20 other states and U.S. territories — including consequential mail-in voting heavy states like Nevada, New York and Ohio — permit ballots to be received after Election Day.
Judges deliver wins for voters in Georgia and Virginia
A federal judge blocked Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) voter purge program for illegally removing naturalized citizens from the rolls within 90 days of an election. The state must notify all eligible voters whose registrations were canceled.
Virginia state officials immediately appealed this ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Youngkin said the state is prepared to bring the case up to the U.S. Supreme Court if needed.
A Georgia court declined to expedite a GOP appeal of a ruling that said election officials are required by state law to certify elections. The pro-democracy ruling will remain in place.
