The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania left the state’s vote-by-mail laws intact weeks before the November 5 presidential election. The court’s decision to maintain the status quo came as it dismissed requests from voting rights groups and the Republican National Committee (RNC) to alter or clarify current voting procedures.
Voting rights groups had sought to block a rule requiring mail-in ballots to include a handwritten date on the return envelope. However, the court, citing concerns over potential voter confusion, decided against making any changes so close to the election.
“This Court will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election,” the order said.
Additionally, the court rejected an attempt by the RNC and Pennsylvania GOP to prevent counties from allowing voters to correct errors on mail-in ballots before Election Day. The decision keeps current procedures in place, permitting counties with “notice and cure” policies to notify voters of mistakes, like missing signatures, and allow them to make corrections before disqualifying their votes.
Maryland Prepares for the 2024 General Election: Key Dates and Voting Options
As Maryland gears up for the 2024 General Election, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has already sent over 578,000 mail-in ballots to registered voters who requested them, with an additional 91,000 delivered electronically. Voters receiving ballots by mail should have already received them or can expect them shortly.
Mail-In and Early Voting Options
There is still time to do so for those who have not yet requested a mail-in ballot. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for postal delivery is Tuesday, October 29, while the deadline for web-delivered ballots is Friday, November 1. Additional details are available on the State Board’s mail-in ballot webpage.
Voters can drop off their completed ballots at any of the 286 official drop boxes across the state until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5, Election Day. If returning by mail, voters must ensure their ballot is postmarked by November 5.
In addition to mail-in voting, early voting runs from Thursday, October 24, through Thursday, October 31, with centers open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Election Day polling places will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5. Voters should confirm their polling location in case of changes since the Primary Election.
Voter Registration and Election Judges
If they have not already, SBE encourages all eligible Maryland residents to register to vote by Tuesday, October 15. Residents interested in serving as election judges can apply online or contact their local Board of Elections.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.
