Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules on Ballot Issue

Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has ruled undated mail-in ballots invalid, impacting the 2024 election and sparking controversy.

At a Glance

Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules 4-3 that undated or improperly dated mail-in ballots cannot be counted in the 2024 election.
The decision reaffirms previous rulings, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for handwritten dates on mail-in ballots.
The ruling affects Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, with Republican officials celebrating the decision.
A Senate race between Republican David McCormick and Democrat Bob Casey, with McCormick leading by about 17,000 votes, is getting a recount.
Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro urges adherence to the ruling, emphasizing the importance of following electoral laws.

Supreme Court Upholds Ballot Date Requirement

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has delivered a ruling that could have implications for a Senate recount in the state. In a 4-3 decision, the court has determined that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates cannot be counted, reaffirming previous rulings on this contentious issue. This decision specifically addressed Boards of Elections in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, areas that have been at the center of ballot disputes.

The ruling represents a victory for Republican Party officials, who filed 12 lawsuits amid a Senate recount effort. The court’s decision emphasizes that requiring handwritten dates on mail-in ballots is constitutional, supporting the GOP’s stance on ballot security measures. This outcome comes amid the ongoing Senate race between Republican David McCormick and Democrat Bob Casey.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court orders election officials in the state to stop counting mail-in ballots marked with the wrong date or missing a date from their outer envelope. https://t.co/YovPDWzMhZ

— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 19, 2024

Recount Triggered in Tight Senate Race

The Senate race between McCormick and Casey has triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law, as the margin between the candidates falls within the 0.5% threshold. Currently, McCormick holds a narrow lead of approximately 17,000 votes over the incumbent Casey. The recount process, expected to cost taxpayers at least $1 million, is set to begin by November 20, with results anticipated by November 27.

Despite the Associated Press calling the race for McCormick, Casey has not conceded, citing outstanding ballots. Casey’s allies in several Pennsylvania counties have reportedly pushed back on the state Supreme Court ruling around counting undated and misdated ballots, leading to further legal challenges and controversy.

Broader Context

These types of ballot issues cause significant convtroversy on both sides of the political aisle. Many Republican officials have expressed commitment to maintaining election integrity, while Democrats argue stricter voter restrictions can disenfranchise voters. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has urged compliance with the recent ruling while also criticizing the lack of clarity surrounding undated ballots.

As the recount process unfolds and legal challenges continue, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision stands as a significant precedent for future elections, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established ballot requirements and the rule of law in the electoral process.