The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision allowing voters to cast provisional ballots if their mail-in ballots are invalidated due to errors like missing “secrecy envelopes,” required by the state election code. The ruling impacts voters notified of invalidated “naked” ballots, who can now vote in person using provisional ballots.
The dispute arose after two Pennsylvania voters, whose mail-in ballots were rejected in the 2024 primary, attempted to vote in person but were denied. Pennsylvania’s highest court ruled in favor of these voters, saying that uncounted “naked” ballots are essentially void, making provisional voting an option. The Republican National Committee and Butler County Board of Elections argued that the ruling alters mail voting procedures, which should be set by the state legislature, and sought intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to block the ruling leaves the state court’s decision intact, allowing provisional ballots in these cases. The Republican Party estimates that tens of thousands could be affected, though experts suggest a lower impact. With Pennsylvania expected to play a critical role in the 2024 election, the decision could influence the final outcome depending on how close the race is.
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