Story perspectives

Federal Court Rules Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballot Deadline Unconstitutional

8/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deemed Pennsylvania's mail-in ballot date requirement unconstitutional, citing voter disenfranchisement.
An estimated 10,000 voters were disenfranchised in 2022, with 4,500 ballots rejected in 2024.
The case originated from Bette Eakin's lawsuit after her ballot was rejected for missing a date.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party may appeal, asserting the need to maintain election integrity.
Democrats and advocacy groups, including the ACLU, praised the ruling for its impact on minority and elderly voters.

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Story summary

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deemed Pennsylvania's mail-in ballot date requirement unconstitutional, citing voter disenfranchisement.
An estimated 10,000 voters were disenfranchised in 2022, with 4,500 ballots rejected in 2024.
The case originated from Bette Eakin's lawsuit after her ballot was rejected for missing a date.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party may appeal, asserting the need to maintain election integrity.
Democrats and advocacy groups, including the ACLU, praised the ruling for its impact on minority and elderly voters.