PA mail-in ballots

A Pennsylvania appellate court has ruled that mail-in ballots cannot be rejected due to incorrect or missing handwritten dates on their return envelopes, emphasizing that such rejections violate voters' constitutional rights. The 4-1 decision, authored by Judge Ellen Ceisler, argues that these date requirements serve no compelling government interest and are merely inconsequential paperwork errors. This ruling could potentially save thousands of ballots ahead of the November elections, impacting close races in a crucial swing state. Dissenting Judge Patricia McCullough criticized the decision as a departure from common sense, warning it undermines established voting procedures. The ruling has garnered support from civil rights groups, but has drawn condemnation from Republican officials, who plan to appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Governor Josh Shapiro hailed the decision as a victory for voting rights in Pennsylvania.