Court Rules Ballots Sent After Election Day Are Invalid

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The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals — which covers Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana — ruled Friday (Oct. 25) that election officials are not to count mail-in ballots post-marked after Election Day.

The ruling is not technically in effect immediately, as the panel of judges sent the issue to a lower court for further consideration, according to NPR. From here ,the decision will most likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Text, precedent, and historical practice confirm this ‘day for the election’ is the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials,” the court wrote in their ruling. “Because Mississippi’s statute allows ballot receipt up to five days after the federal election day, it is preempted by federal law.” (LEARN MORE: Pastors Twice As Likely To Support One Candidate)

Where Else Accepts Mail-In Ballots After Election Day?

Almost half of U.S. states accept and count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, though many also require them to be postmarked on or before the actual date of the election). For example, Alaska allows for 10 days for receipt of mail-in votes, so long as the ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day. These grace periods are usually put in place for locations where there may be postal service issues due to extreme weather. (JOIN THE REVIVAL: Christians Called To Shine ‘Light’ On ‘Dark Institutions’)

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