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An appeals court changed a long-standing precedent in Mississippi that allowed ballots postmarked on Election Day to still be counted.
"Congress statutorily designated a singular 'day for the election' of members of Congress and the appointment of presidential electors. Text, precedent, and historical practice confirms this 'day for the election' is the day by which ballots must be both cast and voters received by state officials. Because Mississippi's statute allows ballot receipt up to five days after the federal election day, it is preempted by federal law. We reverse the district Court's contrary judgment and remand for further proceedings," the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled.
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In the past, many states have allowed mail-in-ballots which came largely from U.S. military members serving overseas. In the past decade, however, citizens have used those ballots to avoid the long lines at polling places because they're traveling or working and various other reasons.
The Supreme Court has said courts should not change election rules close to an election to avoid confusing voters.
Read the decision below:
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